Research papers

Cognitive and Human-Automation Challenges in UAS-AAM Integration: A Thematic Review

This paper identifies key cognitive and human-automation challenges in the integration of Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) and Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) through a thematic review of existing academic and industrial litera…

A Comparative Study of eVTOL Inceptor Variations and Lessons Learned Through Human Factors Research

Electric vertical take-off and lift (eVTOLs) aircraft are dominating the future of Urban Air Mobility (UAM). These aircraft introduce the need for pilots to learn how to operate an aircraft that can both hover like a hel…

Up in the Air: A Human Factors Approach to Enhancing eVTOL Passenger Experience

Although electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) vehicles are an emerging mode of transportation, current research indicates that the general public may be unwilling to ride in them due to unfamiliarity and uncert…

Identifying Stereotypical Inceptor-Movement Pairings for eVTOL Hover and Forward Flight

Urban Air Mobility is becoming a reality. Joby Aviation, Volocopter, and Supernal are developing and manufacturing electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircrafts to fly passengers in metropolitan areas.

Human-AI Teams in Aviation: Considerations from Human Factors and Team Science

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has transformed the way human-computer interaction (HCI) teams can collaborate and coordinate in various domains, including aviation and crew resource management (CRM).

Reports on Toxicological Findings in Fatal Civil Aviation Accidents

Annual toxicology summary of pilots and other crew from fatal U.S. civil aviation accidents. Documents the prevalence of legal and illicit drugs, sedating antihistamines, antidepressants, cannabinoids, and other CNS-acti…

Development and Evaluation of an Online Fatigue Training Course for Collegiate Aviation Pilots

The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) have called for a holistic approach toward improving safety.

Dimensionality Assessment of Fatigue in Collegiate Aviation Operations: A Structural Equation Modeling Approach

There have been recommendations for evidence-based studies into the safety risk posed by fatigue in the flight training environment from the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), National Transportation Safet…

Airline Pilot Risk Profiling by Using Unstable Approach Management Case

Risk and human decision-making cannot be separated from each other. Many of theories and studies have tried to analyze pilots’ decision-making processes, risk factors, and preference behavior in the aviation domain.

Pilot Fatigue and Sleep Patterns in Long-Range and Ultra-Long-Range Operations

Field study of crew sleep and alertness during ultra-long-range commercial operations. Combines actigraphy, sleep diaries, and PVT-B reaction tests.

Age and the General Aviation Pilot: A Review of the Accident and Medical Certification Data

Analyzes the relationship between pilot age, accident rates, and medical certification outcomes in U.S. general aviation. Identifies age cohorts with elevated risk for specific accident types (loss of control, controlled…

Aircrew Performance Following Rapid Depressurization at Altitude

Hypobaric chamber study of pilot performance during simulated rapid decompression at cruise altitudes. Measures time of useful consciousness, cognitive task accuracy, and oxygen-mask donning latency across age and altitu…

An Exploratory Study of Automation Errors in Part 91 Operations

The purpose of automation is to improve pilot performance, increase efficiency, reduce risks, and human error (Parasuraman, Sheridan, & Wickens, 2000).

Cabin Safety Research: Evacuation in Smoke and Reduced Visibility

CAMI cabin-evacuation laboratory studies on passenger flow rates, exit-row selection, and crew commands under low-visibility (smoke) conditions.

Collegiate Aviation Pilots: Analyses of Fatigue Related Decision-Making Scenarios

According to Dawson and McCulloch (2005), indicating factors for pilot fatigue may be difficult to ascertain. However, fatigue is a probable cause in 15%-20% of all aircraft accidents (Akerstedt, 2000).

Evaluation of Drowsiness Among Air Traffic Controllers in U.S. En Route and Terminal Operations

Examines drowsiness reports, schedule patterns, and circadian misalignment among FAA air traffic controllers. Recommends shift-rotation revisions for the midnight watch and structured rest breaks during night operations.

A Human-Systems Approach to Proactively Managing Risk through Training in an Evolving Aviation Industry

The Aviation industry is rapidly evolving through increased automation on the flight deck, new air traffic control tools and procedures, and expanded applications of Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS).

Human Error Analysis of Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) Accidents Using the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS)

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services (HEMS) is among the most dangerous type of flying in commercial aviation. This research utilized the Human Factors Analysis and Classification System (HFACS) to understand the errors…

Spatial Disorientation Mishaps in U.S. Civil Aviation, 1996-2015

Twenty-year review of fatal civil aviation accidents involving spatial disorientation. Categorizes by illusion type (somatogravic, leans, false horizon, graveyard spiral), pilot certificate level, and flight phase.

No Time Like the Present: Introducing the Next Generation of Human Factors

Professional Pilot Commercial Off-the-Shelf (COTS) EFB Usage, Policies and Reliability

Electronic Flight Bags (EFBs) have flooded the aviation industry. Commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) tablets are now commonly used by pilots as EFBs.

A Review of the Pilot Self-Assessment Process for Fitness to Fly

Review of the IMSAFE (Illness, Medication, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, Emotion) self-assessment model and emerging alternatives. Surveys pilot adherence to self-assessment standards across recreational, commercial, and CFI…

Mid Morning Concurrent Sessions: Human Factors: Human Error and Cockpit Automation: Presentation: Cognitive Processes and Challenges during Surprise on the Flight Deck

In today’s modern aircraft, both large transport category, smaller business jets and general aviation aircraft, the majority of flight time is spent at cruise where pilot decision making is light as compared to other pha…

Mid Morning Concurrent Sessions: Human Factors: Human Error and Cockpit Automation: Panelist

Late Afternoon Concurrent Sessions: GSIS Symposium: UAS Collaboration & Research Opportunities: Presentation: Human-Computer-Interface for Geo-Fencing in Small Unmanned Aircraft Systems

The use of small unmanned aircraft systems (sUAS) has increased significantly in the past year. Geographic fencing (geo-fence) is software built into most medium-cost consumer sUAS.

Survey of Sleep Quantity and Quality in the U.S. Commercial Pilot Population

Cross-sectional survey of self-reported sleep duration, sleep disorders, and use of sleep aids among 14 CFR Part 121 pilots. Compares to OAM clinical benchmarks and identifies subgroups at elevated risk for excessive day…

SMS and CRM: Parallels and Opposites in their Evolution

The current study compared the evolution of Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Safety Management Systems (SMS). Though CRM is a mature safety tool, it continues to change.

Helicopter Emergency Medical Services Accident Analysis 2007-2011

CAMI epidemiologic analysis of HEMS accident causes, contributing factors, and survivability outcomes. Correlates with NTSB safety recommendations on HEMS night flying, weather minima, and crew training.

Survival Time After Postcrash Fire in Transport-Category Airplane Accidents

Reviews postcrash-fire survivability data from worldwide commercial transport accidents. Identifies cabin material flammability, evacuation slide deployment reliability, and crew training as primary survivability determi…

Workload Management in General Aviation Cockpits

Eye-tracking and physiological-workload measurement during simulated GA scenarios. Compares workload signatures across glass-cockpit and steam-gauge configurations, with implications for flight-instructor training and pr…