Man
The human factor is the area of greatest variability, and thus the source of the majority of risks.
Selection: The right person psychologically and physically, trained in event proficiency,
Procedures and habit patterns.
Performance: Awareness, perceptions, task saturation, distraction, channeled attention, stress,
peer pressure, confidence, insight, adaptive skills, pressure/workload, fatigue (physical,
motivational, sleep deprivation, circadian rhythm).
Personal Factors: Expectancies, job satisfaction, values, families/friends, command/control,
perceived pressure (over tasking) and communication skills.
15.9.2 Media
Media are defined as external, and largely environmental and operational conditions. For
Example:
Climatic: Ceiling, visibility, temperature, humidity, wind, precipitation.
Operational: Terrain, wildlife, vegetation, human made obstructions, daylight, and darkness.
Hygienic: Ventilation/air quality, noise/vibration, dust, and contaminants.
Vehicular/Pedestrian: Pavement, gravel, dirt, ice, mud, dust, snow, sand, hills, curves.
15.9.3 Machine
Hardware and software used as intended, limitations interface with man.
Design: Engineering reliability and performance, ergonomics.
Maintenance: Availability of time, tools, and parts, ease of access.
Logistics: Supply, upkeep, and repair.
Technical data: Clear, accurate, useable, and available.
15.9.4 Management
Directs the process by defining standards, procedures, and controls. Although management
provides procedures and rules to govern interactions, it cannot completely control the system
elements. For example: weather is not under management control and individual decisions affect
personnel far more than management policies.
Standards: FAA Policy and Orders.
Procedures: Checklists, work cards, and manuals.
Controls: Crew rest, altitude/airspeed/speed limits, restrictions, training rules/limitations.
Operation. The desired outcome.
15.9.5 Mission (Operation)
Objectives: Complexity understood, well defined, obtainable. The results of the interactions of
The other -M’s (Man, Media, Machine, and Management).