International Civil Aviation Organization developed a theoretical model known as SHELL model in order to explain various components that is closely linked with human factor as far as aviation systems is concerned. The SHELL model is a conceptual framework that defines hardware, software, live ware and environment as building components that is aimed at improving the understanding of human factors. The four SHELL model components assist in understanding the flight psychology which deals with both mental and physical effects of passengers and all air crew staffs.
The SHELL model is a theoretical prototype of human feature that explains the range of aviation and the relationship between the variables of human factors concerning aviation systems, i.e., the fly human subsystem and flying subsystems. The method adopted by the SHELL model insinuates that humans in rare case contribute to most of the accidents that occur. The systems perception considers a wide range of similar and task-related dynamics that interrelate with the human machinist inside the aviation structure to affect the performance of the operator.
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The human intellects for collecting vibrant task and environment-related evidence are subjected to their capabilities, limitations, and destruction. It is not possible for humans to exploit their senses and detect the broader range of the available sensory information. For instance, it is impossible for the human to see an object in dark places more especially at night as a result of low light intensities (Young, 2012). The fact humans cannot see well at night provides the implications behind the performance of pilots who fly at night. However, from the SHELL model, the Centre live ware or each human is applied and subjected to interaction with the other four components. The communication between the elements and each in the system is what is considered as the contributor of human abilities. Although in many instances, it is assumed from the theory that any mismatch between any of the four components and Centre live ware always lead to human error in the system.
Most air accidents are usually associated with human errors, and hence humans are generally termed as the significant Couse of the catastrophe. This assumption is supported by the advancement in technology which has improved the mechanical system related to maintenance of aircraft. Moreover, in observation of human factors, all participants in the aviation systems either participate directly or indirectly have their limitations as well as capabilities. Hence, through training and holding safety and secure practices, many countries have managed to shape human interaction with each component of the SHELL model to ensure safe aviation systems (Schleicher, 2012).
First, the interaction between the hardware and liveware is what is termed as the man to machine system. This system alludes to the fact that aircraft designers should ensure that aircraft provide valued services such as fitting seats, creating a conducive environment among other provisions that assure passengers satisfaction and compatibility. A good example explaining this parameter was the fatal air accident of February sixth, 1999 that saw the crashing Boeing B-757-225 into the Atlantic Ocean. Investigation reports revealed that unreliable airspeed indication is what caused the occurrence of the accident. The accident is a perfect example of L-H error that Couse air accident (Schleicher, 2012).
The second excellent example of SHELL model is represented by the interaction between humans or liveware and the software component. By software interaction, it implies that humans interact with intangible objects hence making it harder to solve L-S errors as compared to L-H mistakes. Korean airliner crashed and claimed the lives of 229 on August 6, 1997. The disaster was caused by a software defect that resulted in the obstruction of Minimum Safe Warning Systems (Young, 2012). Therefore, the human element and the interests that workers develop are at the Centre of SHELL model that reflects the latest air transportation structure. The most flexible and critical component in the system is the Human Element. Direct interaction with components such as hardware, software, environment, and live ware contribute much to aviation design. In conclusion, as far as flight is concerned, the design of the aircraft and the aviation system at large must consider human dimensions and the percentage of the population that the model can accommodate to ensure stable and safe operations.
References
ICAO SHELL Model - SKYbrary Aviation Safety. (2018). Retrieved from https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/ICAO_SHELL_Model
Schleicher, R. (2012). Building and Flying Model Aircraft. Dover Publications.
Young, G. (2012). Beyond Lion Rock: The Story of Cathay Pacific Airways . Faber & Faber.
