Aeronautical Psychology: What It Is, History And Functions
What does psychology have to do with flying? How has psychology, after having laboriously achieved a scientific status, managed to position itself among the most suitable sciences for the development of flight safety, aircraft construction, and aviation training? Wanting to review the history of aviation psychology is a cyclical work. What we call today Aviation Human Factors It is a kaleidoscope of knowledge from medicine, physiology, psychophysiology, psychology, ergonomics and, more recently, cognitive sciences and their multidisciplinarity. Therefore, in this online Psychology article we are going to discover together What is aeronautical psychology, its history and the functions of a/a expert in aviation psychology.
What is aviation psychology? Aeronautical psychology or aviation psychology deals with the behavior, actions, cognitive and emotional processes of human beings in the environment of complex systems in aviation and space including intercultural, inter- and intra-individual differences.
What does aeronautical psychology consist of? Aeronautical psychology studies the human being and his cognitive processes, his actions and his behaviors in the aeronautical and aerospace field, considering cultural aspects and applying psychological science derived from the fields of work and organizational psychology, social psychology. and clinical psychology. For example, aeronautical psychology studies the psychological aspects of aviation, in order to increase its effectiveness and improve the selection of candidates for the different professions related to this field, in order to identify the psychological causes of air accidents, to understand human behavior, actions, cognitive and emotional processes in aviation and interaction between employees.
History of aviation psychology
The number of people wanting to fly is increasing rapidly and, for this reason, is putting additional pressure on pilots, flight staff and airlines. This additional pressure, as well as the need to control human error and improve airline operations, results in increased work-related stress and, therefore, need for more aviation psychologists to work on the ground.
The entire aeronautical community, both at European and international level, recognizes the importance of the psychological well-being of personnel involved in aviation and of supporting assistance in recognizing, addressing and overcoming any problems that may affect their ability to fly. practice the profession safely<
Topics such as the human factor, the study of errors, the development of programs on equipment resources, work fatigue in aviation and others, have been present for a long time in aeronautical standards, due to the impact they have on safety. Commission Regulation 2018/1042 of 23 July 2018, published on 25.7.2018 in the Official Journal of the European Union, has established the technical requirements and administrative procedures for the introduction of psychological support and evaluation programs for flight and cabin crew< All of these topics, known as Support Programs and Psychological Assessment activity, were subsequently incorporated into the regulations in force in commercial air transport and which provide for the figure of the Mental Health Specialist and the Aviation Psychologist.
Functions of the expert in aeronautical psychology
He aviation psychologist is a professional who applies the knowledge and methods of psychological sciences to the world of aviation, contributing to maintaining high and improving safety standards, supporting professionals and organizations to improve their performance and support their mental health. Let’s look at the functions of the aviation psychologist:
Advise pilots and flight crew< They can help prepare staff members for potential threats and teach them how to cope with high-stress situations. Following periods of crisis, such as a plane crash or terrorist threat, a psychologist can offer emergency counseling to pilots and airline crew, as well as passengers who have suffered any type of traumatic event. Mental health support can also be offered to family members of those who may have died during a flight.
Research work< They can assist in the investigation process following an unforeseen event, helping authorities understand the behavior of pilots, flight crew and any threats that were on board before the event. They can also carry out air safety studies and inform airlines.
Design training programs< An aviation psychologist can help design and plan training programs for airlines to improve the performance of their staff.
Collaborate with engineers< Sometimes aviation psychology experts will work alongside engineers during cockpit and flight deck design, ensuring that all functions and mechanisms are easy to use and safe for passengers and crew.
Offer mental health and wellness services< A psychologist can provide guidance and training to staff members to improve their performance, to help cope with jet lag and to maintain their overall well-being.
Hold administrative or political positions< Sometimes, aviation psychology experts may work with government agencies or airlines to ensure that employers comply with health and safety regulations. Investigative work can also be done to improve laws and security on the ground.
In the following article you will find information about a phobia related to the topic: the phobia of flying.
This article is merely informative, at PsychologyFor we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.
If you want to read more articles similar to Aeronautical psychology: what it is, history and functions we recommend that you enter our Cognitive Psychology category.
Bibliography
Piro, A. (2019). Brief history of the psychology applied to the world
Rhea, A. (2019). Who’s the Aviation Psychologist? Retrieved from: https://www.itapa.it/WP/wp-content/uploads/2019/10/psicologodellaviazione.pdf.pdf
