Threatened Error Management in Aviation

Jan 17, 2025

Nappies Mentor Live Program: Threatened Error Management

Introduction

  • Focus on adapting principles of error management from airlines to general aviation.
  • Paul Predator: Chief instructor and examiner for a regional airline, with extensive aviation experience (7,500+ hours as ATP, 6,800+ hours of instruction).
  • Aims to improve aviation safety through training insights.

Overview of Topics

  1. What is Threatened Error Management (TEM)?
  2. Training considerations for TEM.
  3. Historical context and development of TEM.
  4. Relation to Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Single-Pilot Resource Management (SRM).
  5. Tools to mitigate threats and errors.
  6. Application of TEM in general aviation.

Key Definitions

  • Threat: External factors that can affect flight safety (e.g., weather, mechanical issues).
  • Error: Mistakes made by the pilot.
  • TEM: A safety process designed to manage risks in a complex flying environment.

Importance of Risk Management

  • Accidents rarely occur from a single error; they often result from a chain of events.
  • Breaking this chain early is crucial to preventing incidents.
  • Risk management is essential for maintaining safety during operations.

TEM Basics

  • TEM acknowledges the inherent complexity of flying and the likelihood of mistakes.
  • Incorporates risk management into airman certification standards.
  • Focuses on continuous awareness of threats and errors.

Process of Threat and Error Management

  1. Anticipation: Expect the unexpected; maintain vigilance.
  2. Recognition: Identify errors and threats as they occur.
  3. Recovery: Take corrective actions to rectify errors before they escalate.

Categories of Threats

  1. Operational Threats: Equipment malfunctions or poor procedures.
  2. Environmental Threats: Weather changes, airport conditions, etc.
  3. Mismanagement Threats: Errors stemming from pilot decision-making.

Errors Categories

  • Aircraft Handling Errors: Deviations from intended flight parameters.
  • Automation Errors: Mistakes related to aircraft systems and technology.
  • Procedural Errors: Deviations from established protocols.
  • Communication Errors: Misunderstandings between pilots and ATC.

Undesired Aircraft State

  • A state where the aircraft is not in the intended position, speed, altitude, or configuration.

Human Factors in Aviation

  • Humans are often the source of errors but also the solution.
  • Pilots serve as the last line of defense in ensuring flight safety.

Training Techniques and Strategies

  • Implementing flows in checklists to reduce missed items.
  • Anticipating student errors and addressing them proactively.
  • Regular briefings to establish a shared mental model between instructor and student.

Conclusion

  • TEM is crucial for enhancing safety in aviation.
  • Continuous education and awareness are necessary for successful risk management.

Contact Information

  • Paul Predator available for further correspondence via email.