In the early days of flight, approximately 80 percent of accidents were caused by the machine and 20 percent were caused by human error. Today the statistic has reversed. Approximately 70 percent of airplane accidents are due to human error (pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, etc.) and 30 percent are due to machine (equipment) failures. According to a report by National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) scientists, at least 70% of aviation accidents result from some failure in the pilot’s cognitive performance, with distractions and errors in aeronautical decision making (ADM) most prominent. For example, when a pilot decides to launch into marginal visual flight rules (VFR) conditions, continues as conditions deteriorate, enters instrument meteorological conditions (IMC), and loses control of the aircraft, the fatal crash may be categorized as a “loss of control” event, but it was rooted in poor ADM. Even experienced pilots with no impairing conditions occasionally make errors in ADM or get distracted. That fact led to the emphasis on Certified Flight Instructors (CFIs) creating realistic distractions in flight to teach effective distraction management, as well as scenario-based training and formal risk assessment tools to improve ADM. ICAO lifts ban against PIA flights PIA revises passage … Continue reading 70% of aviation accidents are attributable to the pilot [Report]