Human Factors in Aviation

This online class on Human Factors in Aviation examines how human behavior, performance, and limitations influence safety and operational effectiveness across all segments of the aviation industry. As systems grow more advanced and operational environments more complex, understanding human factors has become essential for preventing errors, improving communication, and sustaining a strong safety culture.

Participants will explore the psychological, physiological, and organizational elements that shape human performance—ranging from cognitive processing and decision-making to fatigue, communication, and teamwork. Using industry examples, case studies, and applied exercises, the class demonstrates how human factors principles support safer operations, better coordination, and more resilient teams.

By understanding why people make mistakes, how teams function, and how organizational context impacts behavior, participants will be better equipped to enhance operational performance and contribute to continuous safety improvement.

By the end of this class, participants will be equipped to:

1. Explain the foundations of human factors and how they influence aviation safety and performance
2. Identify human performance limitations, cognitive biases, and environmental influences that contribute to error
3. Apply communication, teamwork, and decision-making principles to support safe operations
4. Recognize the role of organizational culture and safety management in shaping human behavior
5. Use human-factors tools and models to analyze events and support continuous safety improvement

1. Flight crew and cabin crew
2. Air traffic controllers
3. Maintenance and engineering personnel
4. Safety managers and compliance monitoring staff
5. Ground operations and dispatch personnel
6. Aviation students and professionals seeking a deeper understanding of human performance