Having a high level of SA is perhaps the most critical factor for achieving successful performance in aviation.

Maintaining a high level of situation awareness is one of the most critical and challenging features of an aircrew’s job. Pilots must not only know how to operate the aircraft and the proper tactics, procedures and rules for flight; they must also have an accurate, integrated picture of the state of the environment. As a result, a vast portion of their job involves developing high levels of situation awareness (SA) and keeping it up-to-date. Without good SA, even the best-trained crews can make poor decisions.

While results may be challenged by the limitations of human attention and working memory, pilots must focus on many elements to achieve high levels of SA.

• Geographical (location of aircraft; airports and cities; runway assignments)
• Spatial/Temporal (attitude, altitude, flight path; projected landing time)
• System (status; settings of radio and transponder equipment; communications)
• Environmental (current/projected weather conditions; IFR vs. VFR conditions)

Improving SA is a major design driver for the development of new aircraft systems and the training of aircrew. SA Technologies has performed significant work in developing methodologies and tools for satisfying SA requirements.

While much progress has been made, enhancing SA through better cockpit design and training programs continues to be a major focus in aviation safety.

Contact us today to learn more about situation awareness for the military