John A. Wise

V. David Hopkin

Much has happened to certification and to human factors during the past few years. In this volume, the editors and other specialists discuss the topic of human factors applied to certification. They focus on core topics in the certification process that have emerged in the study of product certification in high-tech industries. The editors' purpose is to document advances in the study of certification processes defined largely by the 1993 international conference on the application of human factors principles to the study of product certification in man-machine systems. Although the book focuses mostly on certification in large, man-machine systems, such as aeronautics, its principles also apply to other high tech industries, such as medicine and computers. An introductory paper and a group of papers presenting propositions and philosophies about human factors contribute to a framework for human factors certification. The papers in this volume: * adopt a more direct approach to certification activities, * deal with aspects of human-machine integration, * address topics that should feature in any established human factors certification of advanced aviation systems, * use ideas that already exist in aviation as a basis for discussing certification issues, * consider issues that arise in the certification of complex future systems, and * describe some current characteristics of human factors as a discipline that would influence its application to certification.

Human Factors in Certification

Marvin L. Smith

In recent years, increases in the amount and changes in the distribution of air traffic have been very dramatic and are continuing. The need for changes in the current air traffic systems is equally clear. While automation is generally accepted as a method of improving system safety and performance, high levels of automation in complex human-machine systems can have a negative effect on total system performance and have been identified as contributing factors in many accidents and failures. Those responsible for designing the advanced air traffic control systems to be implemented throughout the alliance during the next decade need to be aware of recent progress concerning the most effective application of automation and artificial intelligence in human-computer systems. This volume gives the proceedings of the NATO Advanced Study Institute held in Maratea, Italy, June 18-29, 1990, at which these issues were discussed.

V. David Hopkin

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