Introduction

In the highly demanding and safety-critical environment of aviation, Human Factors and Fatigue Risk Management are paramount to preventing errors, enhancing operational safety, and ensuring the well-being of personnel. Human error is consistently identified as a significant contributing factor in aviation incidents and accidents, underscoring the need to understand how human capabilities and limitations interact with operational systems. Fatigue, in particular, poses a pervasive threat, impairing cognitive function, decision-making, and reaction times across all operational roles, from pilots and air traffic controllers to maintenance technicians and ground crew. Proactively managing these human elements is not merely a regulatory requirement; it is a strategic imperative for any aviation organization committed to achieving the highest safety standards and operational resilience. This essential training course focuses on equipping aviation professionals with the expertise to master Aviation Human Factors and Fatigue Risk Management.

This intensive training course is meticulously designed to empower aviation safety managers, operational personnel, flight crew, maintenance staff, air traffic controllers, and human resources professionals with the theoretical understanding and practical tools necessary to integrate human factors principles and effective fatigue risk management systems (FRMS) into their daily operations. Participants will gain a deep understanding of human performance limitations, learn to identify and mitigate human error, and explore strategies for developing robust FRMS frameworks. The course will delve into topics such as cognitive biases, communication effectiveness, stress management, sleep physiology, fatigue assessment tools, and the development of fatigue mitigation strategies. By mastering the principles and methodologies of Aviation Human Factors and Fatigue Risk Management, participants will be prepared to enhance safety culture, improve operational reliability, and contribute to a healthier and more productive aviation workforce.

Duration: 5 Days

Target Audience

• Aviation Safety Managers and Officers
• Airline Operations Managers
• Flight Operations Personnel (Pilots, Cabin Crew Managers)
• Air Traffic Controllers and Supervisors
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineers and Managers
• Ground Operations Supervisors
• Human Resources Professionals in Aviation
• Training and Development Managers
• Aviation Medical Examiners (AMEs)
• Regulators and Inspectors involved in Human Factors/FRMS oversight

Course Objectives

• Understand the fundamental principles of human factors in aviation and their impact on safety.
• Learn to identify common human errors and their underlying causes in operational environments.
• Acquire knowledge of fatigue physiology and its effects on human performance.
• Comprehend the requirements and components of a Fatigue Risk Management System (FRMS).
• Explore strategies for assessing and mitigating fatigue risks in various aviation roles.
• Understand the importance of effective communication and teamwork in preventing human error.
• Gain insights into stress management and cognitive biases affecting operational decisions.
• Develop a framework for implementing human factors principles and FRMS within their organization.

Course Content

Module 1: Introduction to Aviation Human Factors

• Defining Human Factors and its relevance to aviation safety.
• The "Dirty Dozen" and "Swiss Cheese Model" of accident causation.
• Understanding the human-machine interface in aviation systems.
• The concept of human error: types, causes, and consequences.
• Historical overview of human factors in aviation accidents.

Module 2: Human Performance Limitations and Capabilities

• Sensory limitations: vision, hearing, vestibular system.
• Cognitive limitations: attention, memory, decision-making.
• Physical limitations: strength, dexterity, reaction time.
• Environmental factors affecting performance: noise, vibration, temperature.
• Individual differences in human performance.

Module 3: Communication and Teamwork

• Principles of effective communication in aviation (e.g., clear, concise, unambiguous).
• Active listening and feedback techniques.
• Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Line-Oriented Flight Training (LOFT).
• Threat and Error Management (TEM) concept.
• Building effective team cohesion and mutual support.

Module 4: Stress, Workload, and Decision Making

• Understanding different types of stress in aviation (acute, chronic).
• Effects of stress on performance and decision-making.
• Workload management techniques and identifying overload.
• Cognitive biases and heuristics in decision-making.
• Strategies for improving decision-making under pressure.

Module 5: Introduction to Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMS)

• Definition of fatigue and its impact on aviation safety.
• Understanding sleep physiology and circadian rhythms.
• ICAO Annex 6 and other regulatory requirements for FRMS.
• The four pillars of FRMS: Policy, Risk Management, Assurance, Promotion.
• Differentiating between prescriptive flight/duty time limitations and FRMS.

Module 6: Fatigue Hazard Identification and Risk Assessment

• Methods for identifying fatigue hazards: surveys, confidential reporting, incident data.
• Fatigue assessment tools: sleep logs, biomathematical models, subjective scales.
• Quantifying and qualitative assessment of fatigue risk.
• Developing a fatigue risk matrix and tolerability levels.
• Role of safety culture in reporting and managing fatigue.

Module 7: Fatigue Mitigation Strategies

• Operational mitigations: scheduling adjustments, rest facilities, controlled naps.
• Personal mitigations: sleep hygiene, nutrition, exercise.
• Technological mitigations: alertness monitoring systems.
• Developing fatigue training and education programs.
• Continuous monitoring and adjustment of mitigation strategies.

Module 8: Implementing and Maintaining FRMS

• Steps for developing and implementing an FRMS in an aviation organization.
• Data collection and analysis for FRMS performance monitoring.
• Internal auditing and external oversight of FRMS.
• Integrating FRMS with the Safety Management System (SMS).
• Leadership commitment and communication for FRMS effectiveness.

Training Approach

This course will be delivered by our skilled trainers who have vast knowledge and experience as expert professionals in the fields. The course is taught in English and through a mix of theory, practical activities, group discussion and case studies. Course manuals and additional training materials will be provided to the participants upon completion of the training.

Tailor-Made Course

This course can also be tailor-made to meet organization requirement. For further inquiries, please contact us on: Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Training Venue

The training will be held at our Skills for Africa Training Institute Training Centre. We also offer training for a group at requested location all over the world. The course fee covers the course tuition, training materials, two break refreshments, and buffet lunch.

Visa application, travel expenses, airport transfers, dinners, accommodation, insurance, and other personal expenses are catered by the participant

Certification

Participants will be issued with Skills for Africa Training Institute certificate upon completion of this course.

Airport Pickup and Accommodation

Airport pickup and accommodation is arranged upon request. For booking contact our Training Coordinator through Email: info@skillsforafrica.org, training@skillsforafrica.org  Tel: +254 702 249 449

Terms of Payment: Unless otherwise agreed between the two parties’ payment of the course fee should be done 7 working days before commencement of the training