The Impact of Human Error on Aviation Safety

Kaitlin Settle

Professor McCarthy

BSAS 210

14 April 2025

Blog Discussion 4.4

Brief Overview

        Building on my earlier blog discussion, complacency is a significant contributor to human error and poses a serious threat to aviation safety. As one of the twelve factors identified in the "Dirty Dozen," complacency reflects a sense of familiarity with a task that often leads to a loss of awareness regarding potential dangers (Air Education and Training Command Safety Directorate, 2023). This feeling typically arises when performing routine activities that have become habitual, causing individuals—and sometimes entire organizations—to perceive these tasks as easy and safe.

How Does it Pose a Threat?

        Complacency in aviation presents a serious threat to the industry by creating a self-satisfied mindset that decreases awareness of hazards and leads to neglecting safety protocols (Skybrary, 2021). This can result in overlooking critical steps, misjudging risks, and ultimately jeopardizing flight safety. Another consequence of complacency is reduced situational awareness. It can cloud judgment and hinder the ability to identify potential hazards or predict unexpected events.

Impact of Complacency on Overall Aviation Safety

        Pilots must remain focused, even during routine tasks, to avoid losing the ability to accurately assess their surroundings and the current situation. A complacent mindset can lead to shortcuts and a lack of thoroughness in essential tasks, such as pre-flight checks or maintenance procedures (Skybrary, 2021). This may result in overlooking critical equipment failures or malfunctions. 

        Complacency can also cause pilots to underestimate the severity of potential hazards or the risks associated with specific maneuvers, such as landings and take-offs. Additionally, it's important to note that complacency can hinder the pursuit of ongoing training and skill development. Pilots may become too comfortable with their current abilities and fail to actively seek out new information or techniques. This can limit their capacity to handle challenging or unforeseen situations, as well as adapt to new technological advancements.

        Finally, complacency can contribute to a broader erosion of safety culture within an organization. When individuals become complacent, they are less likely to question procedures, report safety concerns, or actively participate in safety initiatives.

References

Air Education and Training Command Safety Directorate. (2023, July 12). The Dirty Dozen: Common Human Error Factors in Aircraft Maintenance Mishaps. Air Force Safety Center. https://www.safety.af.mil/News/Article-Display/Article/3474731/the-dirty-dozen-common-human-error-factors-in-aircraft-maintenance-mishaps/.

Skybrary. (2021). The Human Factors “Dirty Dozen.” SKYbrary Aviation Safety. https://skybrary.aero/articles/human-factors-dirty-dozen.

‌‌