How does human error typically manifest in aviation?

Human error in aviation is predominantly associated with flaws in decision-making. Decision-making is a critical cognitive process in flight operations, where pilots and crew must assess situations, weigh options, take in complex information, and choose the best course of action. Even highly trained professionals can make mistakes due to various factors like stress, fatigue, time pressure, or misjudgment, leading to errors in operational decision-making.

Flaws in decision-making can manifest in numerous ways, such as misinterpreting information, failing to recognize a hazard, or not adequately considering the consequences of a particular action. These mistakes can have significant implications for flight safety, which is why understanding human factors and how they influence decisions is crucial in aviation training and operations.

While equipment malfunctions, strict adherence to procedures, and communication errors can also lead to incidents or accidents, they generally stem from or are exacerbated by the fundamental decision-making processes employed by individuals in the cockpit or on the ground. Thus, the essence of human error in aviation lies primarily in the cognitive domain of decision-making.