There have been several articles on “situational awareness” (SA) in this space. SA is universally regarded as the central skill in aviation safety – and every other high-consequence activity. But though these articles define and explain situational awareness, they fail to reveal the *HOW* of successful situational awareness. Maintaining awareness is a skill that requires a disciplined “attentional scan.” This skill requires effort and practice and grows more effective over time. This blog defines the “how” of successful SA.
Dr. Mica Endsley, USAF Chief Scientist, first systematized situational awareness in 1995, and defined 3 distinct areas: perception (Scanning, watching, listening, detecting) – 76.3% of aviation accidents; comprehension (adding meaning) – 20.3% of accidents, and projecting (the consequences of perceived changes/threats in a future state) – 3.4% of accidents.
Easy Opportunity For Greater Safety!
Since almost 80% of accidents occur from errors in basic perception, this is a rich target for improvement. Our human Operating System often misses subtle changes in the “here and now” through “stereotyping” perceptual input (predictive perception). We all function daily by assuming the future will resemble the past. This is a way of economizing mental effort. We slip from the higher order thinking system (vigilant) into the default mode network and miss nuanced clues (sometimes threats) right in front of us. Aviation safety requires continual attention and situational awareness: practice vigilance!
Another common problem in flight operations is boredom in the face of this perceived “never-changing sameness.” Automation exacerbates this problem by taking aircraft control away from the pilot. Without the requirement for physical input, the constant sameness induces a (dangerous) “human screen saver mode.” Consequently, we frequently miss significant (but small) changes or threats. To combat our human laziness, we must intentionally scan and ask questions to maintain our vigilance. The most effective method is a constant rotation of “MACRO/MICRO/META” rotation of attention employing all five senses. This is the primary way to maintain vigilance.
MACRO Level Attention (The Big Picture)
Once established in stabilized flight, first, intentionally examine the bigger picture – “MACRO.” Scan outside for traffic (deliberately focusing in sectors). Then verify your airplane’s attitude and energy state carefully. Is the pitch stable and level? How about the energy state (airspeed/alt)? Put a hot focus on each important parameter and *ask questions* “Is this what I want, and is it stabilized and performing as expected?” Continually asking questions and posing hypotheticals (what if) is essential to maintaining vigilance. Changes become obvious when you carefully quantify parameters and exercise all five senses.
Drill Down: MICRO Attention
Next, rotate your attention intentionally to the finer details (MICRO): “Is the oil pressure *exactly* where it was, or is it trending up and down?” Ditto with the temps and electrical sensors: drill down on the finest details.Consult your limitations (get the book out) if necessary, flying is about vigilance (not reading, or listening to XM). Use your five senses intentionally here too; does it sound the same, are their odd smells that alert to danger? Don’t dwell too long at either level of perception. Constantly zoom in and out to keep your awareness sharp.
Meaning and Projection: META
“META” is projecting our current state into the future and should occur after about three phases of micro/macro. “Will this current fuel burn leave us sufficient reserves? How is the weather changing from forecast? What is the probable approach and is that loaded and briefed?” This is anticipation and exploring hypotheticals (what if). This eliminates surprises by continually staying ahead of the aircraft.
If changes are occurring, it is essential to move from Level One SA (perception), into the two higher SA levels of determining the meaning and projecting to a successful future state (ADM for best outcomes). This is analogous to the Perceive, Process, Perform in a continuous cycle. Perception is still involved but rotates actively to Level two and three. Usually, once a perceived threat is detected, your neurological state shifts into high gear (no risk of boredom now!) ADM/task management becomes the most important challenge.
Practice MACRO/MICRO/META for greater awareness and safety; and intentional “attention scan.” You will be surprised at the elements of “ordinary flying” that suddenly become more obvious. Vigilance has a way of opening all kinds of new safety opportunities as well, with small changes to perceived threats. Fly safely (and often)!
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