Several accident reports highlight situations where pilots acted to abnormal flight events in a manner that was different from what they had practiced many times. An explanation to the missteps is that testing and training of the skills are highly predictable cycles for pilots in the training environment since they know what they should expect. In such circumstances, the pilots are given plentiful practice as they respond to abnormal events but have little practice to recognize them and decide the responses they should offer (Gong, Zhang, Tang & Lu, 2014). The performance of the helicopter is affected by the gross weight and the position of such weight. It is essential to load the helicopter within the required or allowed range in the RFM’s balance and weight limitations. The weight and balance creates deviations center of gravity and this could lead to emergencies since the helicopter will not function optimally.
Problem
Human error has been reported to be the primary factor to more than 70% of the aircraft accidents. The problem is pilots are not expertly trained to handle panic situations with most them not using the training practiced when faced with emergencies. Human factors are closely related to crew resource management and maintenance resource management. These factors include collecting information about limitations on human abilities, and other characteristics that apply to machines, tools, tasks, systems, and environment to create comfortable, safe, and effective human utilization. Human factors are researched to have a better understanding of the way humans can be safely integrated with innovation. The understanding is translated into training, design, policies and procedures that assist human beings to perform better. Pilots are encouraged to comply with the balance and weight limits stipulated for helicopters. They should understand that operating above the weight limits compromises the structural integrity of the plane and this affects its performance. Balance plays an essential role in the fully loaded planes since the deviations in the center of gravity as minimal as three inches change the handling characteristics of the helicopter.
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The significance of the Problem
Although technology has changed the aviation industry, humans are solemnly responsible for ensuring the safety and success of the helicopters. The pilots should continue being flexible, knowledgeable, efficient and dedicated as they exercise effective judgment. The industry continues to have significant investments in equipment, training, and systems that have long-term implications. Since technology evolves at a faster rate compared to the way humans interact, the industry cannot depend on the intuition and experience to guide decisions on human performance (Gong, Zhang, Tang & Lu, 2014). An essential aspect of evaluating the implications of human performance is design, training, and procedures.
Development of Alternative Actions
Accidents can be reduced in two ways. The first is ensuring pilots adhere to weight and balance limitations and the second option is firing pilots that have attained the age limit. The maintenance and management crew in the industry should ensure pilots adhere to weight limits before taking off. Weight restrictions are important in guaranteeing the helicopter’s structural integrity and enable accurate determination of the performance of the helicopter. For instance, operating above the weight limit leads to structural failure or deformation because of strong wind gusts, excessive load factors, and turbulence. Operating below the minimal weight affects the handling elements of the helicopter that include the inability to attain the required RPM in autorotation (Martinussen & Hunter, 2017). Pilots are subjected to age-related issues. As they age, their bones tend to shrink in density and size making them weak and susceptive to fracture. Their muscles lose flexibility and strength, and their balance and coordination could be affected. The heart rate is lowered, and the heart becomes bigger, making them have a lowered productivity. Their memory could also be affected with age, and this would mean that they take longer to learn new things or remember new concepts.
Discussion
In essence, the pilot training focuses on the skills and capabilities that they should rather than the technical aspects of the plane. Pilots should learn about the flying dynamics and ensure they adhere to the weight and balance limitations. The pilots that have attained an older age should go for routine medical checks to know they can see well, and remember things to avoid accidents. Expert pilots should mentor novice ones to help them learn about the everyday challenges they are likely to face and their solutions (Martinussen & Hunter, 2017). Frequent training of the pilots helps them understand how to handle emergencies in the air.
Recommendations
The pilot should also have the skills and knowledge to balance the aircraft correctly such that the fuselage is horizontal in balancing the flight with little cyclic control of pitch that should be expected for the correction of wind. The fuselage works similar to a pendulum that is suspended from the rotor and changes the center of gravity with the angle at which the helicopter hangs from the rotor. When the CG is under the rotor mater, the plane hangs horizontally, and when the CG is far forward of the rotor, the craft hangs with its nose titled downwards, and when the CG is far off the mast, the nose is tilted up. The technical skills and capabilities of the pilot make it easy to fly safely and avoid accidents.
References
Gong, L., Zhang, S., Tang, P., & Lu, Y. (2014). An integrated graphic–taxonomic–associative approach to analyze human factors in aviation accidents. Chinese Journal of Aeronautics , 27 (2), 226-240.
Martinussen, M., & Hunter, D. R. (2017). Aviation psychology and human factors . CRC Press.
