An integrated simulation approach for the analysis of pilot-aeroplane interaction

This paper presents an application of the methodology HERMES (Human Error Reliability Method for Event Sequences) to the field of aviation safety. HERMES is based on the use of simulation models and a reliability approach for analysing the evolution of accidents. The methodology, the reliability approach and the simulations of the aeroplane and of the pilot behaviour are described in detail. The application case focuses on the analysis of two reference type of errors, namely omission and commission, during a well-defined transient situation, namely the Approach phase To Landing (ATL). The results obtained by applying HERMES are compared with those obtained performing a "classical" human reliability study for the same case. The advantages and the potential applications of HERMES are enhanced by the comparison and by a number of parametrical studies.