Aviation Minister K Ram Mohan Naidu on Monday said audit by aviation regulatory body Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has indicated that human factors are also a contributor to the current safety risks.
Speaking at the first National Safety Seminar on Human Factors in Aviation Accidents in the national capital, Naidu said air accidents related to human error have increased by 10%. Globally, 80% of aviation accidents are caused by human error, though the number of accidents has come down, Naidu said.
“Of the 91 accidents investigated by the AAIB (Aircraft Accident Bureau), a large number of accidents were caused due to non-adherence to SOPs (standard operating procedures). I urge all stakeholders to prioritise continuous skilling, re-skilling and upskilling of their workforce,” Naidu said.
He said, “Safety must remain the top priority, and a well-prepared workforce is the backbone of the commitment we are going to deliver.” The Minister added that there is a need to integrate advanced psychological research into the training programmes of aviation professionals, especially pilots and air traffic controllers.
He suggested the use of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning and data analytics along with psychological research to help optimise pilot behaviour and performance. Naidu said the industry needs to come up with robust stress management programmes.
“It is not just about operators but requires a collective effort and a lot of discussions should take place so that there is a stress-free environment for everyone working in the aviation industry and ultimately ensure that greater focus is placed on safety,” the minister said.
