Exploring the human and technical aspects of aviation
As our global community grows ever more linked, aviation brings people together. It is a driver of economic, social, and cultural development worldwide and has completely changed how we travel, interact with othersÌýand do business. A network of airlines, airports, and air traffic management organisations link major cities and small communities 24 hours a day with increasingly advanced aircraft. Ìý
Aviation is by far the world’s safest and most efficient mode of long-range mass transportation. With new and emerging technologies like drones and air taxis joining traditional air transportation, we must ensure they are safely and efficiently integrated into our airspace. Despite rapid gains in technology, humans are ultimately responsible for ensuring the success and safety of the aviation industry. They must continue to be knowledgeable, flexible, dedicatedÌýand efficient while exercising good judgment to mitigate safety issues.
Associated schools, institutes & centres
Impact
Our research focuses on the technical and scientific aspects of aviation. One area ofÌýspecialisation isÌýaviation safetyÌýand aviationÌýhuman factors.ÌýIn aviation, safety determines the very existence of the industry. It is crucial in preventing aviation accidents and incidents and keeping passengers and flight crew safe while flying. Human factors affect how people do their job. They are the social and personal skills, such as communication and decision making,Ìýwhich complement technical skills. Ìý
Human factors are important for flight safety and efficient aviation operations. Knowledge in human factors can be used to reduce the likelihood of error and build more error-tolerant and resilient systems to support aviation safety, management, and operations.Ìý
To remain a viable option, generalÌýaviationÌýneeds toÌýstrike a balanceÌýacross three pillars of sustainability—social, economic and environmental. ThisÌýallowsÌýair transportÌýto grow in an environmentally sustainable manner while continuing to ensureÌýtheÌýfreedom to travel by air.ÌýWe conduct research across both conventionally pilotedÌýaviationÌýandÌýremotely piloted aircraft.ÌýOur expertise in data and analyticsÌýis applied across areas including:Ìý
- transport safety research focusing on safety events (incident and accident investigation) from across the aviation industryÌý
- environmental and economic sustainability research focusing on the social and financial impacts of aviation operations.Ìý
Understanding the landscape ofÌýchanging technology is essential for the future planning of the aviation industry. Artificial intelligence, blockchainÌýand related computer science innovations have the potential to transform air transport. This research can be applied to additional engineering and technological developments including space commercialisation, high-speed flightÌýand electrification. The impact of our expertise encompasses: Ìý
- an understanding of aviation safety issues, to help reduce future accidents and incidents
- knowledge of contemporary and future technological developments and their impact on aviation in terms ofÌýboth economic and environmental sustainability
- improved efficiency and effectiveness of operations and operators across the aviation industryÌý
- research outputs to ensure effective cognitive-based training to improve operators’ skills.Ìý
We work closely with researchers within Trusted Autonomy, Cyber Security, Space, Modelling and Simulation, AnalyticsÌýand Aerospace Engineering.
Competitive advantage
- A unique combination of skills covering science, technology, educationÌýand engineering applicable to the aviation industry.Ìý
- Long-standing and deep ties with Defence.Ìý
- Outstanding facilities including an indoor UAV flight test area and facilities for simulation, eye-tracking systems, and digital human modelling of various biometrics (EEG, HR, BP).Ìý
- Focus on aviation data and analytics.Ìý
- Internationally recognised research examining a new approach to improvingÌýoperators’ non-technical skills.Ìý
Our researchers
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We are actively involved in a variety of aviation outreach activities including:Ìý
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- Aviation Outreach, a high school engagement tool and newsletterÌý
- Ìý(STEM)
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Cognitive training interventions to improve young drivers’ speed management behaviour: Effects, implications, and perspectives
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- Demonstrated above average safety performance for major air cargo carriers.Ìý
- Validated the communicate, confess, and comply strategy to save lives when an unqualified pilot encounters adverse weather.Ìý
- Assessed the impact of airport sustainability initiatives, specifically at Kansai International Airport.Ìý
- Improved risk management operators’ skills via applying cognitive-based training.