As we taxi into the summer months, our newsletter schedule will be taking a more relaxed, cruise-like pace. Just like aircraft gliding under clear blue skies, we'll continue to keep you on course-with updates on the next steps for the ASPIRE conference and the full schedule as soon as it becomes available. Even if our dispatches are a little less frequent during this sunny season, we're still in the cockpit, making sure you're informed and connected.
Get ready for ASPIRE '25!
Preparations are underway for ASPIRE, HFES annual conference happening in Chicago from Oct 13 to 17. ASTG will have 3 sessions with lectures and 2 discussion panels. Researchers in aerospace will also take part in the poster sessions with our fellow members.
Now is a good time to register for the conference. The early-bird discount lasts up to July 13th. Don't miss this opportunity to secure your place at a preferred rate.
Webinar June 26th
Our next webinar will take place on Thursday, June 26, 2025, at 8AM Pacific Time / 11AM Eastern Time / 4PM British Summer Time. You can join over zoom using this link https://polymtl-ca.zoom.us/j/86024557548?pwd=aDRPb1B5ZaFxSOtd0aRA9ypwlii1j6.1
The video recording will be made available a few days later on our website https://hfes-aerospace.org/2025/06/07/webinar-using-a-systems-based-approach-for-improving-safety-investigations/
Using a systems-based approach for improving safety investigations, by Jenny O'Donnell.
Summary – Many investigations still focus on root cause, which is often singular and is sometimes wrongly focussed on human failure. In this presentation, we discuss how this misses the underlying reasons of why things really happen and does very little to prevent further occurrence. Using a systems-based approach to safety investigations, we examine how we can do this better by looking at the interactions of the system of work.
Le Bourget Takes Flight
By Srishti Rawal
This June, Le Bourget buzzes with excitement as the 55th Paris Air Show unfolds (June 16–22, trade days 16–19; public days 20–22). Imagine 2,500 exhibitors from 48 countries, 300 start‑ups, and 150 aircraft sweeping across 70 hectares. This is an aerospace grand theater.
But 2025 isn't just about jet glitz. A recent Air India crash cast a shadow, and Boeing's presence is subdues: no new deals, executives absent, and memorial pins worn in quiet respect. Meanwhile, Airbus stole the spotlight with an eye‑popping 142 firm orders (around US $21 billion), from Riyadh Air's A350‑1000s to VietJet's A321neos.
Politics and hardware collide: about 45% of the show is defense‑focused, the highest ever. Anduril and General Atomics showed their full scale drone prototypes expected to fly along the next-gen F47 fighter jet ("Loyal wingmen"). Israeli defense booths are partially shrouded, reflecting the turmoil in the Middle East. And on the tarmac, F‑35s and Rafales roar through the sky, a stark aerial testament to current global tensions.
Yet amid the drama, innovation soars. The Paris Air Lab explored the future of air transport-with hydrogen propulsion demos, drone rescue prototypes, rocket‑building challenges for teens, and VR space hubs for curious visitors. The UK also launched £250 million in green‑aviation funding, supporting Airbus ZEROe and Rolls‑Royce fuel‑cell projects.
The Takeaway
This year's Le Bourget is a potent mix of solemnity and strategy: somber respect, billion-dollar commercial wins, a record defense presence, and bold green innovation, all framed by world events and spectacular flying displays. It's not just an airshow, it's a snapshot of our turbulent, tech-driven times.
Research
By Philippe D.-P.
Note: There was a good deal of research in our discipline published in the last month. I tried my best to summarize most of them. If you want to share your recent work to ASTG, or even better and help me scout the web for new articles, email me hfesaerospacesystems@gmail.com
Investigating the Independent and Combined Effects of Startle and Surprise in a Simulated Flight Task
By Alexandre Duchevet, Jean-Paul Imbert, Jérémie Garcia, Benoît Lamirault and Mickaël Causse
Human Factors
In this experimental study, 45 participants completed the MATB-II task and were exposed to startle (triggered with a loud sound that they were expecting), surprise (unexpected reverse video) either independently or both of them happening simultaneously. The authors found that surprise did not affect task performance. Startle notably reduced task performance for the communication sub-task of MATB-II. When both startle and surprise occurred simultaneously, results reflected those of the startle condition.
The Impact of Reduced Vision on Simulated Flight Performance in Novice Pilots: Toward Establishing Performance-Based and Operatically Representative Visual Acuity Standards
By Allison Lynch, Naila Ayala, Shi Cao, Ewa Niechwiej-Szwedo, Suzanne Kearns and Elizabeth Irving
Human Factors
ICAO specifies that visual acuity for pilots should be 6/9 or better in each eye with or without correction, meaning that someone can read at 6 m what a "normal" vision could see at 9 m. The team from the University of Waterloo set out to test empirically different visual acuity with novice pilots (<300 flight hours) to assess the robustness of this requirement. Twenty participants flew in their flight simulator wearing Cambridge Simulation Glasses that scatter light to decrease visual acuity from 6/6 up to 6/60 and then no vision. Participants flew either a VRF approach or a short circuit. The authors found no difference in the pilot's landing performance between all visual acuities from 6/6 to 6/60, and the airplane crashed in the no-vision condition – we can hardly blame pilots for this incident when flying blind. This research suggests revising the visual standards for pilots based on flying performance.
Effect of Pilot Expertise on Visual Scanning and Precision of Flight Maneuvers in Military Aviation
By Quentin Vantrepotte, Emilien Dubois, Cyril Camachon, and Mickael Causse
Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors
38 French Air Force pilots with three expertise levels flew a series of horizontal and vertical maneuvers in a flight simulator. Results from eye tracking showed that experienced pilots use more efficient gaze strategies when controlling the aircraft. This opens the door to train novice pilots where to look during difficult maneuvers and to use real-time eye tracking data for immediate feedback.
Assessing Task Engagement and Team Dynamics in a Virtual Flight Environment Using Eye-Tracking Metrics
By Sophie-Marie Stasch, Yannik Hilla, and Wolfgang Mack
Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors
The authors analyzed composite eye tracking metrics (ex. K coefficient, stationary and transition entropy) to discern between the Pilot flying (PF) and Pilot not flying (PNF) roles. They found good accuracy and precision score (97%). Note that the experimental setup was a desktop computer during the MATB-II tasks. Yet it shows the power of eye tracking metrics to assess the pilot's attention and information-seeking processes.
Predictive Validity of Selection and Training for Ab Initio Air Traffic Controllers
By Anna Seemüller, Catrin Hasse, Johann-Christoph Münscher, Nadine Belser, Markus Neumann, Dietrich Grasshoff, Verena Vogelpohl, Alexander Heintz, and Yvonne Pecena
Aviation Psychology and Applied Human Factors
The German Aerospace Center analyzed their ability to predict the performance score of 603 ab initio ATCO trainees during their training classes based on two selection performance tests done before their enrollment. The cognitive performance test was predictive of the Initial Training grade, whereas the work sample performance test was predictive of the Initial Training and Unit Training grades.
The Impact of Lower Degree Automation Reliability on Higher Degree Automation Failure Detection in Simulated Air Traffic Control
By Vanessa K. Bowden, Isabella Gegoff, Philippe J. Kilpatrick and Shayne Loft
Human Factors
In this ATC simulation, 192 participants were exposed to a lower DOA tool (highlight potential conflict) or higher DOA tool (conflict resolution) in which a single automation failure event occurred. Participants used either only the lower DOA tool (with one failure), either the higher DOA tool (again with its failure) or both tools with either one of them failing. Results show that when using both tools together, the failure of the higher DOA tool was found faster and more accurately when compared to using only the higher DOA tool. Surprisingly, more participants missed the automation failure when the lower DOA tool failed.
A human factors accident analysis framework for UAV loss of control in flight
By R. El Safany, M.A. Bromfield
The Aeronautical Journal
The authors investigated 60 accident reports of civilian drones analyzed by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB) in the United Kingdom. They found that design and manufacturing errors were dominant causal factors (22 events, 34%) and contributory factors (18 events, 22%). Most interestingly, they applied existing accident analysis models (HFACS, AcciMap and Accident Route Matrix) to see their suitability in the context of UAVs. The authors suggested modifications to Accident Route Matrix to understand causal factors in UAV accidents. They also proposed a new definition of Loss of Control (LOC) for UAvs.
Safety Data Analysis with Machine Learning
By John Hewitt, Amanda Downs, Alex Monaghan, Yeshi Soleti, Abby Brulotte
Vertical Flight Society
The team from Lockeed Martin developed a machine learning algorithm to automatically determine whether safety data reports, coming from their customers and their own tests, constitute a safety hazard.
The effects of wearing pilots' oxygen masks on cognitive performance
Frank Albers, Julia Maria Maier, Kevin Schudlik & Jean-Baptiste Dupuy
Ergonomics
Donning an oxygen mask in the cockpit can create momentary havoc: the pilot must remove their headset, check oxygen flow, re-establish communications, and contend with the constant background noise of their own breathing-all while managing a high-stress emergency such as rapid decompression or smoke in the cabin. In this context, even small improvements to the mask usability can make a meaningful difference. This study sponsored by Safran designed a new mask that is lighter, software controlled and the face-piece designed to meet usability and comfort requirements. 17 pilots compared this new mask with the baseline model present in most aircraft. They completed a series of psychometrics tests (choice reaction time, visual search, acoustic N-Back) along with completing an electronic checklist. Results were unable to show a clear difference between the two masks, maybe due to the simple nature of the test battery. It also shows that the new mask with its usability improvements did not compromise pilots' cognitive performance.
News
By Philippe D.-P.
Safety
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The Silicon Valley Way: Move fast and break…aviation safety?. David Woods, Mike Rayo, Shawn Pruchnicki – all-stars HFE researchers at Ohio State University – wrote a review article on the risks and unexpected consequences of asking the Big Tech to rehault aviation safety with a fast-paced approach. Published in the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists, the authors argue that Silicon Valley companies have brought transformative technologies and it would be tempting to follow their lead when compared to the slow adoption rate in aviation. Yet, tech companies also ignore warning signs when their systems overpass the limits of normal operations. They revisit the two recent SpaceX explosions to make their case about the risks of adoption the Silicon Valley Way. The authors argue for a technology development process that is both fast and safe. That is, to know when to shift the focus between speed and thoroughness by adopting systems engineering and resilience engineering practices.
Aviation
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Otto Aviation's Phantom 3500 business jet. Otto Aviation is embarking on one of the most challenging endeavors in the aviation industry: design, certification, and production of a clean-sheet business jet. The U.S. company insists its Phantom 3500 isn't yet another light jet, promising to match the performance and comfort of existing midsize jets at light jet prices and operating costs. To facilitate laminar flow, the 3,200-nm twinjet will not have any cabin windows, except for the one required for the emergency exit. Instead of windows, passengers' view of the outside world will be on 42-inch 4K monitors mounted on the cabin walls, four on each side.
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EASA and IATA announced a strategic plan to address the escalating threat of GPS interference. IATA reported that the number of GPS signal loss has increased by 220% from 2021 to 2024, based on their Data Management Flight Data eXchange (GADM FDX). The joint work will focus of four areas: improved information gathering with standard radio call to report GNSS interference and standardised NOTAM (Q codes); stronger prevention and mitigation measures including tighten controls on export and licensing restrictions on jamming devices; more effective use of infrastructure and airspace management, such as a better use of military ATM capabilities; and enhanced coordination and preparedness among relevant agencies including the sharing of GNSS radio frequency interference (RFI) event data.
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Tragic Crash of Air India Flight AI171: A Call for Enhanced Safety Protocols On June 13, Air India Flight AI171, a Boeing 787-8 en route to London Gatwick, tragically crashed shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, India, killing 241 passengers and crew members, as well as 8 people on the ground. Early investigations suggest a possible wing flap misconfiguration, with a mayday call made before the plane lost altitude and exploded on impact. The sole survivor, a British passenger, managed to escape through a broken cabin section. A joint investigation by India's AAIB and the U.S. NTSB is underway, with the flight data recorder recovered. This tragedy highlights the need for enhanced crew configuration protocols, takeoff automation checks, and system redundancy.
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CAE Names Northrop Grumman Executive as New CEO CAE has announced the appointment of Matthew Bromberg as its new CEO, succeeding Marc Parent after 16 years of leadership. Bromberg, who currently heads global operations at Northrop Grumman, brings extensive aerospace and defense experience, having previously held leadership positions at RTX (Raytheon) and Pratt & Whitney. With a focus on large-scale program execution and military systems leadership, Bromberg is poised to guide CAE as it sharpens its focus on simulation, aviation training, and defense modernization. He will relocate to CAE's Montreal HQ and work closely with Parent during the leadership transition.
Autonomy
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EASA Pauses Single-pilot Flight Operations Research. EASA published their last report on risk assessment from their research on extended minimum crew operations and single pilot operations, an initiative started in 2021. The authority found that based on the design of current cockpits, it was unable to find an equivalent level of safety between single-pilot and two-crew operations. EASA continues recommending the development, evaluation and deployment of new technologies to design a "smart cockpit" that would support SPO. These improvements would be most beneficial to two-crew operations and should be evaluated in current operations using a data-driven, evidence-based approach.
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NASA's ATM-X: Paving the Way for Safe Integration of Emerging Aircraft into Our Skies. As the aviation industry welcomes new technologies like drones, air taxis, and high-altitude solar aircraft, the question arises: Can our airspace handle these innovations? NASA's Air Traffic Management-eXploration (ATM-X) project is answering this challenge with confidence, developing a digital aviation ecosystem for the future. ATM-X is focused on enabling the safe integration of both traditional and emerging aircraft in shared airspace. Key initiatives include UTM-BVLOS for beyond-visual-line-of-sight drone operations, real-time digital services for trajectory-based operations, and frameworks for managing upper-class E airspace. Human factors researchers will need to explore how these advancements augment pilots and ATC, addressing new questions about automation, trust, and digital coordination.
Unexpected
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Man Guilty of Posing as a Flight Attendant to Obtain Free Flights In a case that sounds like the plot of Catch Me If You Can, a federal jury in Miami has convicted Tiron Alexander, 35, of wire fraud and entering into a secure area of an airport by false pretenses. The man from South Florida, booked more than 120 free flights by pretending to be a flight attendant. His scheme was surprisingly easy: he logged in the website intended for pilots and flight attendants to book their flights with a partnering airline and provided false badge numbers and hiring dates. The prosecution showed that he flew on 34 flights using this process.
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Srishti Rawal
Graduate student in cognitive engineering
Department of Industrial Engineering
Polytechnique Montreal
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