Date of Defense

Spring 4-28-2008

Department

Aviation

First Advisor

William Rantz, Aviation

Second Advisor

Gil Sinclair, Aviation

Abstract

Analyses of aviation accident statistics, NTSB reports, and controlled experiments have resulted in the conclusion that human error is the most significant cause of aviation accidents today. The results of an experiment conducted by William Rantz and Gil Sinclair indicate that a pilot's performance improves when visually presented when and where errors occurred on various checklists. However, the study also concluded that those pilots with more experience did not perform any better than those pilots with less experience. Aviation has rapidly progressed. With thousands of aircraft departing every day, the expansion has come with an impressive safety record. The industry should seek to improve safety records by identifying weaknesses in pilot checklist usage and applying effective solutions combined with improved technology to assist pilots.

Access Setting

Honors Thesis-Campus Only

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