Human Performance and Limitations in Aviation

Human factors are cited as a major cause in over 70% of accidents, and it is widely agreed that a better understanding of human capabilities and limitations – both physical and psychological – would help reduce human error and improve flight safety.Many private and commercial pilot licence examinations worldwide now include the subject of human performance and limitations. This book, written by two pilots, one of whom is also an aviation medical practitioner, provides a readable introduction to the basic concepts of human factors in aviation. It features an important section on basic aviation psychology, as well as topics on physiology and high altitude environment and health maintenance.The Third Edition has now been expanded to include more detail on the physiology of hypoxia, as well as deeper coverage of principles of aviation psychology.

Author Biography

The late Ron Campbell, Executive Chairman of AOPA UK, was a member of the ECAC Working Group and JAA Flight Crew Licensing Committee responsible for the harmonization of pilot training and licensing in Europe. Pamela Campbell, who has also contributed to the book, is a former commercial pilot and flying instructor and is currently the International AOPA delegate on the JAA Flight Crew Licensing Committee. Michael Bagshaw is Head of Medical Services for British Airways. He is a current professional pilot, flying instructor and examiner, and a recognized authority on human factors in aviation. He was formerly Senior Medical Officer Pilot and specialist in aviation medicine at the RAF Institute of Aviation Medicine, Farnborough, UK.