Aviation Human Factors

Aviation Human Factors: Theory, Research, and Applications for Advanced Aviation Systems is a postgraduate textbook designed to address the unprecedented challenges facing contemporary aviation that existing texts fail to cover adequately. The progressive integration of artificial intelligence into flight-critical systems, the emergence of advanced air mobility platforms without established regulatory frameworks, the shift toward single-pilot and reduced-crew operations, and the digital transformation of air traffic management all raise critical questions about human performance that demand rigorous, up-to-date educational resources.

This textbook offers operationally grounded coverage of how operators interact with automated systems, maintain situational awareness, preserve manual skills that high automation erodes, and exercise authority over increasingly autonomous technologies. It is built on a fundamental insight that transformed the field: accidents are not primarily the result of individual failure, but of the way systems around individuals are designed, organized, and managed. This realization demanded intellectual courage from investigators and institutional honesty from regulators, particularly in an industry built on professional standards and certification. Over decades, the field has developed the tools and evidence to demonstrate that system design lies at the heart of safety performance rather than human inadequacy.

The textbook gives readers the theoretical frameworks, empirical knowledge, and critical thinking skills needed to address the defining human factors questions of next-generation aviation practice, ultimately helping them to understand and improve the conditions under which people can perform safely, sustainably, and with professional dignity. It is for postgraduate students in aviation human factors, aviation safety, aerospace human systems, and related disciplines. It is equally relevant to aviation professionals seeking to deepen their understanding of contemporary human factors challenges.

This book will feature instructor PowerPoint slides, chapter summary sheets, case study teaching notes and a research methods resource guide.