NATIONAL PLAN FOR CIVIL AVIATION HUMAN FACTORS: AN INITIATIVE FOR RESEARCH AND APPLICATION

Valuable programs in aviation human factors have been underway for many years at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), and Department of Defense (DOD), as well as in academic and industry sectors. However, to continue to enhance this progress toward safety and productivity goals, increased coordination, funding, and long-term, high-level management support in government and industry is needed. This initiative outlines a coherent national agenda containing two major elements aimed at achieving this outcome. The first element focuses on five research thrusts. The second element focuses on opportunities for improving the application of research results to planned and ongoing programs. This document identifies near- and long-term needs, assesses the progress of research, and provides mechanisms for application and implementation. The publication of this document represents one of several necessary steps to establish and maintain a coordinated national human factors program for civil aviation.