Human Factors and the US. Air Force Aircraft Mishap Prevention Program

Tremendous improvements have been made during the 75 years that the USAF has kept mishap statistics. The rate of major mishaps has decreased from over 500 to less than 2 per 100,000 flying hours. Human performance problems however continue to be key factors in over two thirds of these aircraft mishaps.

Several years ago efforts were initiated to enhance the accuracy, accessability and detail of the USAF mishap data bases. The Air Force also began systematically examining concepts aimed at reducing human performance problems. The Aircraft Mishap Prevention (AMP) program is currently being developed to provide the USAF with a more timely and scientifically valid understanding of human factors issues. This program will involve application of epidemiologic and computer assisted information management concepts to three types of activities: surveillance, assessment, and countermeasures development.