Assessment of aviation operators’ efficacy in

highly automated systems

Abeer Jazzar, Omar Alharasees and Utku Kale
Department of Aeronautics and Naval Architecture, Faculty of Transportation Engineering and Vehicle Engineering,
Budapest University of Technology and Economics, Budapest, Hungary

Abstract
Purpose – Technological advances and the adaption of higher levels of automation serve as a potential cause of aviation incidents and accidents.
This study aims to investigate the effect of automated systems on the operator’s performance total load (work, task, information, communication
and mental) in highly advanced systems.
Design/methodology/approach – A questionnaire was designed for aviation operators (Pilots, ATCOs) to understand the intensity to which
automation has affected their working environment and personal behavior. In total, 115 responses were received from 44 countries
worldwide. Approximately, 66% of respondents were pilots, 27% Air traffic controllers and 7% were both pilots and ATCOs with various
experience levels.
Findings – Based on the results of this questionnaire, this study suggests the following: creating a total load management model to understand the
best load balance an operator could perform at providing rapidly updated aviation training methods and approaches investigating the influence and
consequences of adding new tools to the operator’s working station and redesigning it to achieve top operator-machine equilibrium redesigning
information and alerting systems.
Practical implications – Intrinsic limitations include an implicit expression of bias in the way questions are phrased, ambiguity in question phrasing
that leads to incorrect conclusions and challenges regarding articulating complex concepts.
Originality/value – In this paper, the authors aimed to assess and investigate factors leading to current and future incidents and accidents resulting
from human factors, specifically caused or developed because of highly automated systems.
Keywords Automation, Operator total loads, Operators, Human factor, Load management
Paper type Research paper

Introduction (Dehais et al., 2015). In 1972, the autopilot function failed,

causing an L-1011 to crash into the Florida Everglades while the
Today’s aviation operations rely primarily on highly automated pilots were arguing about a landing gear issue. Air France aircraft
technologies for safe, balanced loads and efficient operations. AF447 crashed in the international seas of the Atlantic Ocean in
Automation assists operators in understanding the system’s state. 2009 because of inadvertent freezing of the pitot tubes, which
It also contributes to the reduction of repetitive activities, enabling resulted in abnormal speed measurements and misleading
the operator to concentrate on important responsibilities. representations in the cockpit. Mohrmannet al; described two
However, fully automated systems might overwhelm the operator deadly airplane crashes, “a Lion Air Boeing 737MAX and an
with information, making it difficult for them to make the best Ethiopian Airlines Boeing 737MAX,” that killed all 346
decision in a short time. Furthermore, automation transforms passengers and crew members on both flights at the end of 2018
operators’ jobs from active operations to passive monitoring. This and the beginning of 2019 (Mohrmann and Stoop, 2019). Boeing
shift might reduce the operators’ situational awareness and developed the Maneuvering Characteristics Augmentation
perhaps damage the operators’ essential skills in the aviation System (MCAS) in response to similar faults in the flight
industry. Automation typically refers to tools, machines or stabilization program. MCAS system was a different sophisticated
systems that can achieve predetermined objectives through data system improvement introduced into the “737MAX” without
processing, analysis and revision under pre-set functions with explicit pilot instruction (Dehais et al., 2015). The interaction
occasional human arbitrations, such as uncovering potential between the pilot, automated systems and autopilot is prone to
conflicts between aircraft through data processing, analysis and conflict and a mechanism to forecast pilot-automation conflict
modification. should be developed.
Nonetheless, numerous accidents occurred as soon as Many studies have argued that most air disasters “more than
automation was introduced into commercial aviation operations 80%” are attributed to human factors (Moon et al., 2011;
Psychologist, 2014). Considerable work has gone into
The current issue and full text archive of this journal is available on Emerald understanding aviation operator challenges in “human-
Insight at: https://www.emerald.com/insight/1748-8842.htm machine systems” and “human-driven complex systems” in the
past few decades.

Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology

95/2 (2023) 302–311 Received 20 April 2022
© Emerald Publishing Limited [ISSN 1748-8842] Revised 4 July 2022
[DOI 10.1108/AEAT-04-2022-0098] Accepted 15 July 2022

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To design a monitoring and management system for the actively monitor and regulate their work. During their shift,
operators’ load, researchers investigated the effects of several cognitive responsibilities are placed on the controller,
automation on operator roles and overall loads, namely, including sensing, recollection, reasoning, strategy and
workload is the volume of work completed by an operator at a decision-making and action completion (Makara-Studzi nska
given point in time, which is affected by both human and et al., 2021). Regardless of the usefulness of any automation
environmental variables, task load presents the challenge and assistance implemented, the human-automation level of trust
difficulty of completing a task, information load refer to the that signifies acceptable usage of an automated tool depending
growing volume of data obtained from complex systems, which on its performance of tasks must be regulated to avoid ATCOs
might lead to operator confusion, the level of understanding from shunning it (Pushparaj et al., 2021).
between operators is referred to as communication load and Because of the increasing air traffic complexity, the operator
mental load refers to the physical and psycho-physiological must deal with fatigue frequently in their working shift (Mélan
state of the operators while performing their duties (Papanikou and Cascino, 2022). This situation notably affects the operator’s
et al., 2021). It is critical to comprehend the influence that working capacity and lowers their efficiency and response time.
automation will have on operators. Fatigue is one of the frequently occurring factors in operation
The impacts of automation on the loads and the function of issues and approximately 21% of accidents in aviation
the operators are investigated in this research. The operator’s (Strohmeier, 2016). Another key skill to discuss is decision-
skills and abilities to perform a task worsen when an automated making, decision making is how individuals with expertise in a
system performs the task that operators would typically perform certain field utilize their knowledge and experience to make
regularly (Kale et al., 2021). Therefore, operators become reliant decisions within a limited time and almost certainly in a
on automation in operations. Various levels of automation
dynamic, stressful and safety decisive environment (Orasanu-
(LoA) have improved the overall working environment and
Engel and Mosier, 2019).
operator’s performance; on the contrary, it brought out new
Kelly et al. analyzed cognitive ergonomics in 50 accidents over
problems and influenced the critical skills that every operator
ten years. The authors stated that the flight crew decision varied
needs to operate safely, effectively and efficiently. As stated by
from procedure-driven to haphazard; factors and circumstances
Moriarty, the operator’s skill loss and automation reliance must
affected their decisions and made them challenging and led to
be dealt with by constantly practising, in simulations and real-
errors. Furthermore, the authors discussed the flight and cabin
time operations (Moriarty, 2015).
crew behaviors and their teamwork, training and metacognitive
abilities and skills. According to Kolander, cabin and flight crew
Automation impacts on operator’s cognitive and collaboration influences and improves safety in flight operations
noncognitive skills (Kolander, 2019).
Although aircraft accidents are infrequently occurring, “The It is essential to understand human factors in the aviation
aviation industry is statistically safe” (Martin, 2019). Accidents systems and provide tools and procedures to diminish errors
in the aviation industry because of human factors can be related (Sheridan, 2010). One of the most reported factors in accidents
to team or individual behavior and performance issues. Martin is communication misunderstanding related (Kale et al., 2021).
W indicated that pilots’ skills and abilities are lacking when Introducing new technology for communication is inevitable
considering their recovering ability when faced with unfavorable and understanding the effects of such technology becomes a
situations. The author also suggests that the aviation industry priority.
needs further research which focuses on organizational issues As the LoA grows, the required contribution from the operator
and works on operator’s stress, situational, decision making, decreases, which affects the operator’s self-worth, appreciation
teamwork, fatigue and workload management (Wang and and sense of accomplishment. Moreover, the operator’s
Smart, 2013). This paper suggests possible methods and stress level influences their psychological reassurance, affecting
approaches that address the mentioned issues. performance, motivation and self-value in usefulness. Numerous
One of the most critical positions in the field of aviation safety studies have shown that low to moderate stress levels increase the
is aviation operator. Working in this environment necessitates operator’s psychological comfort and put their mind at ease while
high levels of cognitive capabilities, which might be hampered or increasing their self-usefulness role; however, this could lead
lowered in efficiency and agility while under strain (Hedayati them to feel less important as their contribution is less (Makara-
et al., 2021). The air travel demand puts more pressure on Studzi nska et al., 2021).
operators than ever before, especially Air traffic controllers
(ATOCs). ATCOs continue to play an important role in air Method
traffic management, despite the increasing LoA and the
introduction of sophisticated tools and operative principles Understanding the aviation operators’ efficacy in highly
(Wang et al., 2021). Langan-Fox et al. discussed a European automated systems, the automation effects on operators’
aviation concept that emphasized the need to use state-of-the-art performance, skills, stress level and operators’ total loads (work,
automation tools, unique teaching methodologies and task, information, communication, mental) is imperative for
exceptional designs for future operator-automation tool current and future safe operations. Pilots’ and ATCOs’ roles in
combinations to lessen the effects of human mistakes. operation have shifted from manual controlling or operating to
Air traffic control is ranked as the fourth most demanding simply monitoring the automated systems with minimum
profession in the world (Ribas et al., 2011). The controller must intervention. This research explores the impacts of automation
put various activities in sequence, utilize cognitive abilities and on aviation operators (Pilot and ATCO) by designing a

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questionnaire and collecting subjective data from operators respondents believe that automation improved their ability to
based on their experience and opinions. work quickly, accurately, calmly and decisively under pressure.
The design of the questionnaire included four parts. Starting This outcome is a good indication that the new technologies
with demographic information, i.e. gender, age, country of support the operators working speed and reduce their stress. In
origin, job, years of experience and level of education/certificates contrast, the results show that the operator’s ability to
to understand how different factors can affect the way operators concentrate for extended periods has decreased because of
view their contribution to operations. Then a series of statements relying on automation. Similarly, situational awareness and
on the increased use of automation were displayed with a typical good coordination have been reduced. This result is
five-level Likert agree/disagree scale to investigate the effect of particularly significant when investigating human factors as the
automation on operator’s cognitive and non-cognitive skills and previously mentioned skills and abilities are reported as
a question about the operators’ level of contribution and self- frequent factors in the series of events leading to an incident/
worth. This section was followed by a short segment that had accident. This situation may raise concerns about the
definitions of the operators’ total loads. Thus, leading to part downsides of highly automated systems which can be addressed
three, the operators were asked to express their views on how by further investigation and analysis of the working
automated systems affected their total loads in a five-level environment and working shift loads and by offering a redesign
Likert increase/decrease scale to highlight which loads needs to of the working environment and improved staff management
be addressed in future research. And finally, the last part was techniques. An important question associated with the
an open-ended question. The participants wrote their views on increased use of automation is its effect on the operator’s
decreasing human factors in operations, the quality of aviation motivation, self-discipline and the variability of their role. The
training, the future of aviation operators and if the industry results show that operators are no longer as motivated and self-
will remain attractive for the new generations to join even if disciplined, and they feel that they are no longer actively
the roles of the operators change from active operating to operating but somehow passively monitoring the systems.
passive monitoring. The questionnaire had 38 questions and Additionally, Figure 5 shows that the New Gen (operators
statements in total, separated into 15 main questions (see that are 35 years old and younger) clearly believes that the
Table 1 for the questions and statements). It was conducted increased use of automation has decreased their ability to
anonymously and solely and strictly for our current and future concentrate for extended periods, decreased their problem-
research. solving skills and situational awareness, decreased their
motivation and self-discipline and agrees that automation is
Results and discussion changing their role from active control to passive monitoring.
In contrary to old gen, as can be seen, the increased use of
In this research, 115 responses were received from 44 automation did not decrease their problem-solving skills or
countries worldwide, as shown in Figure 1. One out of every their situational awareness and coordination. This can be
five responses was a female respondent. Ages ranged from 19 explained by their level of experience as the old gen worked in
to 80 years old, including 64 pilots, 31 ATCOs and 8 less automated environments in which they constantly used and
operators with experience in pilot and ATCO. In addition to developed their skills. Meaning that the old gen had the
12 other aviation managers and engineers with private pilot opportunity to have control in operations, not just monitor the
licenses. Operators answered the questionnaire with different systems working
experience levels, educational backgrounds, certificates and Understanding how the operator feels regarding their job
licenses. security and how they view their contribution to operation is
In addition to the wide distribution of responses from all important because this directly affects their performance. Figure 6
around the world, the results represent various age groups as shows that 44% of operators stated that “Highly automated
can be seen in Figure 2, which represents the age distribution of systems and artificial intelligence cannot be fully trusted, and a
the questionnaire respondents. This result gives an excellent machine will not replace my job.” They were followed by 33%
base to investigate the effects of automation on less experienced declaring that “I feel my job will soon cease to exist because of
to highly experienced operators. Moreover, Figure 3 shows the the new technologies and artificial intelligence”. And the
experience categories of the questionnaire respondents for remainder of the respondents acknowledged that “Automation
pilots in flight hours and ATCOs in years. 50% of ATCOs have will be beneficial in the short term, but it will harm my job
151 years of experience and most pilots have less than 500 security in the long term.” Looking at the statements, the
flight hours, while 22% have 10,0001 flight hours, this allows results indicate a trend among most operators who believe that
us to have a better understanding on how experience and non- new technologies and artificial intelligence are affecting their
experienced operators view the effect of automation. job security. Furthermore, Figure 7 shows that most ATCOs
Undoubtedly, automation has improved all aspect of civil stated that their contribution to operation is medium to very
aviation, however, as new solutions create new problems. To high, contrary to pilots. The majority indicated that their
investigate those problems the operators were asked to express contribution is very low to medium, with some pilots stating it
their option on the increased use of automation. Figure 4 shows as high to very high.
that highly advanced systems have significantly helped the The two generations show an opposite attitude toward their
operators with their communication and teamwork skills. It is opinions on their contribution to the operation. As can be seen
essential to highlight that the operators should be able to in Figure 8, most of the new gen states that their contribution is
effortlessly and accurately communicate with each other to very low to medium in current highly automated systems.
avoid any misunderstandings. Furthermore, almost 2 out of 3 While the old gen on the other hand stated that their

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 Table 1 Questionnaire questions and descriptive statistics: responses of operators (pilot, ATCO)
1. How would you describe your gender?
2. What is your age?
3. What country are you from?
4. What is your job?
5. As a Pilot, how many flight hours have you done?
5. As an ATCO, how many years of experience do you have?
6. What type of certification do you have?
7. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements Strongly agree (%) Agree (%) Neither A/D (%) Disagree (%) Strongly disagree (%)
Aviation operators’ efficacy

regarding the increased use of automation?

+ The ability to concentrate for extended periods of time 0.29 0.23 0.11 0.24 0.13
Abeer Jazzar, Omar Alharasees and Utku Kale

+ Problem-solving skills 0.25 0.22 0.11 0.28 0.14

* Decision making skills 0.13 0.28 0.27 0.24 0.08
+ Situational awareness and good coordination 0.28 0.20 0.18 0.24 0.10
* Communication and teamwork skills 0.19 0.40 0.20 0.14 0.07
* The ability to work quickly, accurately, calmly and decisively under 0.23 0.40 0.12 0.17 0.07
pressure

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+ Operator’s motivation and self-discipline 0.27 0.17 0.16 0.22 0.18
Automation is changing role from active control to passive monitoring 0.31 0.26 0.23 0.11 0.09
8. Are you concerned that the increased use of automation will affect your job security?
9. How valued do you feel your contribution is to operation in highly automated systems?
10. Fill in the blank with the most appropriate word regarding the Highly increased Increased No effect Decreased Highly decreased
effect of automation on your operation total load (work, task,
information, communication, mental)?
Task load difficulty (e.g. traffic regulations, traffic demands and more) 0.03 0.06 0.15 0.37 0.38
Workload, as the total amount of work done in a specific time period 0.02 0.10 0.08 0.47 0.34
decreased
Information load, as I receive multiple various sources of information, 0.34 0.41 0.13 0.09 0.03
which sometimes create confusion during operation
The role of my mental load (physical and psycho-physiological 0.26 0.28 0.22 0.18 0.06
situation) because of the drowsy monotony of work which allows
distraction
Communication load (misunderstandings due to language/culture 0.05 0.12 0.23 0.40 0.20
differences) by adding tools in addition to voice radio (e.g. CPDLC)
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(continued)
Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology
 Table 1

11. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements Strongly agree (%) Agree (%) Neither A/D (%) Disagree (%) Strongly disagree (%)
based on your experience?
I can fully rely on the automation to operate as planned. 0.12 0.32 0.16 0.27 0.13
I have control over my work outcomes. 0.17 0.45 0.18 0.15 0.04
I have more knowledge than my job function needs. 0.14 0.32 0.30 0.17 0.07
I have sufficient training to keep pace with the advancements in my 0.11 0.35 0.22 0.23 0.09
field.
Aviation operators’ efficacy

I prefer to use a manual control system rather than relying on 0.09 0.11 0.20 0.30 0.30
automation.
Abeer Jazzar, Omar Alharasees and Utku Kale

If something goes wrong, I can quickly react. 0.27 0.39 0.12 0.16 0.06
The new generation operator’s hands-on flying/controlling skills are 0.28 0.24 0.16 0.17 0.16
lacking in comparison to the old generation ones.
12. How much do you agree or disagree with the following statements Strongly agree (%) Agree (%) Neither A/D (%) Disagree (%) Strongly disagree (%)
regarding the human factor interface with automation?
Operators’ dependency on automation is a contributing factor in the 0.12 0.21 0.18 0.37 0.12

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increasing air transport incidents/accidents.
Operators monitoring can be inefficient in some complex critical 0.12 0.39 0.17 0.23 0.10
aviation situations
Adaptivity of complex Operator-Machine interface process is a critical 0.18 0.54 0.13 0.10 0.05
issue in the current automation systems
While using a high automation level, the operator can quickly 0.17 0.43 0.21 0.15 0.04
determine the appropriate response to the situation from the display
indicator.
The automation level supports operators in dealing with complexity 0.19 0.59 0.11 0.05 0.05
and reduces the burden of repetitive work.
Redesign of operators workstation ergonomics would reduce the 0.23 0.47 0.17 0.08 0.05
automation monitoring problems.
13. Please specify three important factors from your point of view on how to reduce the rate of mistakes from human factors in operation, and why?
14. How satisfied are you with the quality of aviation training? does it satisfactorily prepare you for the advanced technologies in your field?
15. Will the aviation industry and career of an operator (pilot/ATCO) remain attractive to young people with intensive technologies changing the roles from active operating to passive
monitoring only? Why?
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Figure 1 Map illustrates the intensity of responses in different countries

Figure 2 Histogram of the age distribution of received responses contribution and possibly eliminating their existent and the
need for them human cantered system.
Automation has some desirable and undesirable effects on
the operators total loads. Figure 9 results indicate that
misunderstandings in communication have decreased. This
result confirms our previous results. Additionally, the total
amount of work performed at each time and its complexity has
been reduced. Nevertheless, 75% of operators stated that
advanced automated systems raised the amount of received
information. This situation could overwhelm the operators in
case of an emergency, slow them down and waste a critical time
window to solve or avoid a hazardous situation, leading to a
fatal accident. The information load should be regulated.
Further analysis should be done on the alerting systems and
notifications; both pilots and ATCOs must have enough
training and understanding to identify the source of the
contribution is medium to very high. This reflects a lot on the system’s issue warning. Furthermore, the system should
way operators view their roles in past, present and possibly support the operator, not overwhelm them with an immense
future operation systems; as the technological advancements amount of information, making their reaction time longer and
are increasingly growing, the systems are quickly changning, influencing their decision, causing them to confuse the best
limiting the human part in systems and reducing their choice in a critical situation.

Figure 3 Pie graphs illustration of pilots’ and ATCOs’ experience

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Figure 4 Stacked column demonstration of agreement levels regarding the increased use of automation

Figure 5 Comparison of the effect of highly automated systems on cognitive and noncognitive skills in different generations

Figure 6 Pie graph representing the operators’ concerns regarding Figure 8 Bar graph representing the operator’s new and old
their job security generations’ perspective on their contribution to operations

Figure 7 Bar graph representing the operator’s contribution to

Likewise, only 26% of respondents stated that the role of their
operations
mental load has decreased because of automation. This means
that the majority believe that automation increased the role of
their mental load, i.e. everyday life problems, because of low
stress and monotony of tasks in addition to monitoring more
than operating, thus having more time to think about their day-
to-day problems.
This situation is crucial for safe operation, affecting the
operator’s situational awareness. This further supports the
respondent’s answers regarding the effect of the increased
use of automation on their skills and abilities, as they stated that

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Figure 9 Stacked bar chart representing the effects of automation on operator’s total loads

it decreased their situational awareness. This indicates a lack of working efficacy between the operator and highly automated
load management. systems. Under certain assumptions based on the responses,
Despite the fact that the responses indicate that automation there is no balance between introducing a highly advanced tool
has negatively affected their skills and some of their loads, i.e. and automated tasks with operators’ educational backgrounds.
information load. Figure 10 shows that most operators trust that Understanding this may alter or improve aspects that were
they can react quickly. It is interesting to note that almost 60% insignificant at a point but now are showing consequences on
disagree to strongly disagree with favoring manual control the operator’s performance. It is essential to note that
systems and would instead rely on automation. This could lead automation is introduced to help and support the operator, but
to possible problems in current and future operations, as the role this should also be accompanied by sufficient training and
of operators is changing and some new aviation technologies are preparation for the operator to obtain the most satisfactory
still immature technology with little to no proper training offered outcomes. The final section of the questionnaire includes open-
for operators. Thus, continuous training and workshops on new end questions. The first question was directed toward critical
tools and technologies are highly recommended to keep the factors from the operator’s point of view on how to decrease the
operators up with the rapid advancements in the aviation rate of mistakes from human factors in operation. A typical
industry. The relationship and connection between human response was “More training, refreshing seminars,” this implies
factor user interface and automation is critical to understand. a critical percentage of operators believe that their training
Figure 11 shows that the advanced systems help operators is not sufficient for current. Similarly, “teamwork, good
deal with hectic tasks and reduce monotonous work. Our communication” was also mentioned often. Undoubtedly, any
results also indicate that with a high LoA, the operator can working environment that has individuals with good teamwork
identify the proper reaction based on information delivered by and communication will demonstrate a high-performance level
the system. This outcome may explain why almost 50% stated with remarkable results. Moreover, “Use checklists, follow the
that their monitoring could be insufficient in critical situations. standard producers, clarify information before,” As a result of
This also explains why the majority disagrees that their the high loads the operator might tend to take some shortcuts as
dependency on automation influences the rate of accidents. an attempt to ease their job by not following the full checklist
However, around 72% strongly agree that current automated and replying with short answers while communicating on radio.
systems and advanced tools lack adaptivity and consider it a Furthermore, participants want thought-out automated
critical issue. This proves that there is not enough investigation systems that consider their requests in addition to performing
and analysis done on operator-machine interaction; in some safely and correctly. “Implement new technologies, understand
cases, technology is evolving faster than the operator could the user experience and adjust the systems, allow automation to
learn or participate in a training session to obtain the best be personalized by the user, provide user-friendly systems.”

Figure 10 Stacked bar chart representing the level of agreement regarding the use of automation based on the operator’s experience

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Figure 11 Column chart representing the human factor interface with automation

Additionally, comments such as “Fatigue management, adjust collected, it can be concluded that the increased use of
work shifts, short working durations, better sleep schedule” automation has decreased the operator’s ability to concentrate for
were given; load management and crew management solutions long durations, thus, affecting their situational awareness
were necessary. The participants expressed their level of and lowering their motivation and self-discipline by shifting their
satisfaction with the quality of aviation training they received and role to passively monitoring the systems. Moreover, results
how adequately it prepared them for advanced technologies. demonstrate that this is not necessarily advantageous to provide
The answers were almost equally different, with nearly 56% the operators with various information. It increases their
positive views on their training. Finally, pilots and ATCOs still information load, leading them to be negatively affected and
believe that pursuing a career in the aviation industry will remain unable to perform decisively and quickly. Automation has also
attractive for the newer generations even with the intensive allowed for new unpreceded problems to shine their way in
increased use of automated systems. This situation changes operations; the mental load is one of many; as the level of stress
operator job descriptions and tasks, altering their contribution decreased, the operator became less engaged with the operation,
from actively operating to passively monitoring the systems. allowing them to stray into thoughts and everyday life issues.
This is a critical issue that should be addressed to prevent any
Conclusion accidents. The findings of this study prove that the new
The aviation industry is continuously growing, and with that, the generations of aviation operators’ practical flying and controlling
concern for safe operations is also increasing. To safely operate, abilities are deficient compared to the old generation that did not
highly automated systems have been introduced to support rely on automated systems to operate thoroughly. These results
the operator (Pilot, ATCO) in their daily tasks. Operators’ may raise concerns about the role of aviation operators and
cognitive and noncognitive skills are barely challenged in normal their variability and effectiveness in operations, which can be
operations; preserving their skills and abilities became difficult addressed by further investigation and understanding human
because of their reliance on automated systems and lack of behavior. The current study suggests the following; creating a
manual practice. The impacts of automation in aviation are total load management model to understand the best load
twofold; undoubtedly, automation has improved all aspects of balance an operator could perform at providing rapidly
aviation systems operations. Our collected data shows that updated aviation training methods and approaches and
automated systems have improved the operator’s communication offering continuous opportunities for operators to practice
skills, teamwork, decision-making and ability to work quickly, manual tasks in simulators or during real-life low traffic
accurately, calmly and decisively under pressure. It also investigating the influence and consequences of adding new
demonstrated that automation had decreased the rate of mistakes tools to the operator’s working station and redesigning it
because of communication, thus decreasing the communication to achieve top operator-machine equilibrium redesigning
load. Conclusion and highly reduced work and task load, information and alerting systems to future support the
reducing the difficulty and time needed to perform a task. operators rather than overwhelming them. Additionally, this
Similarly, the collected responses show that the operators trust the papers results confirm previous research done to investigate
automated systems to work as planned, and they have control aviation operators’ variability in advanced systems (Papanikou
over the outcomes of the system. However, in line with the data et al., 2021). By further proving that automation has affected

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the operator’s cognitive and noncognitive skills, their role and sleep and alertness during work and non-work activities”,
their degree of contribution in current aviation systems. Applied Ergonomics, Vol. 98, p. 103596.
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increased the overall safety of operations. However, this did aviation human factors forensics to necessarily proactive role”.
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Mélan, C. and Cascino, N. (2022), “Effects of a modified shift Corresponding author
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