After months of research and planning, employees at the Aeronautical Center in cooperation with employees at the William J. Hughes Technical Center decided there was a need for government, industry and academia to collectively pool resources and have an open dialogue about the importance of human systems integration (HSI) in our current working environment. But what exactly is HSI? Human Systems Integration is an interdisciplinary technical and management process that is used when considering the human element across all working platforms. It includes anything that helps maintain, operate and support a system. It involves training, training devices and the infrastructure used for such functions. HSI takes into account all the components of a system that must integrate together – such as, people, training, human factors, engineering, occupational health, the environment, safety, habitability, and human survivability. The driving force behind HSI is that the human element is not sufficiently factored into the planning equation, especially when developing hardware and software elements. This can create high risk in systems if the human element is not introduced early, in the development cycle. Because of these dynamics, HSI is subject matter that is ripe for aviation and aerospace.
Thanks to the brainpower of Tony Darnell, Manager of the Terminal Automation Section (AMA-421) in the FAA Academy and John Frederick, Verification and Validation Strategies and Practices Branch Manager (ANG-E5A) of the William J. Hughes Technical Center, together they collaborated on what topics would be suitable for educating personnel about ways to look at and improve complex systems like our National Airspace System.
On Tuesday, May 22, 2018 at the Aeronautical Center, the headquarters auditorium doors were opened and an electronic “GoToMeeting” web-hosted service was established for those wanting to view the summit from the comforts of their own location. A full day was devoted to learning about HSI in varying aviation environments from software, to flying drones, to standardizing air traffic control and even monitoring weather. It seems that no aviation discipline is exempt from the benefits of implementing HSI. Guest speaker after guest speaker demonstrated the criticality of examining HSI methods in our course of work. While these summary statements cannot begin to reflect the remarkable detailed commentary provided by the guest speakers, it does give readers inspiration of how we can begin to accommodate HSI into our work practices:
Dr. Dean Hougen; University of Oklahoma
Presented the importance of using real people when utilizing artificial intelligence. He presented a case study about shipping freight and ways to benefit from using an intelligent aide. Certainly simple tasks can benefit from artificial intelligence but as complexities increase, more human interface is needed.
Tony Darnell, on behalf of John Frederick; William J. Hughes Technical Center
In defining Verification and Validation in a systems environment, verification ensures that the system was built right. Whereas, validation ensures that you are building the right system. V&V collectively ensures that you are building the right system efficiently. The FAA has many systems that have a common interface with the same set of customers.
David Moorcroft; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Demonstrated ways to improve occupant protection during civil aviation accidents. As new seating arrangements are being considered for flight, more data is needed to ensure safety. As anthropomorphic test devices are becoming ‘smarter’ much research is to be shared among varying transportation industries.
Professor Gary Ambrose; Oklahoma State University
Discussed the importance of human factors with current studies of unmanned aerial systems performing beyond the visual line of sight. Partnerships with the FAA are underway with regard to Flight Inspection and reviewing the types of signal strength gained from the navigational aids. At this time in our culture, the human systems element is extremely important - more than ever before.
Don Fitts; FAA Data Communications Team, Technical Operations
In working and collaborating with many organizations, strong communications are needed so that there is no impact to our National Airspace System. With regard to Technical Operations it is imperative that what is being asked for, is what is delivered. Getting other stakeholders involved (Technicians, Engineers, Researchers, Unions, Airports) in the Human Factors process is essential to success.
Dr. Christan Grant; University of Oklahoma
Predicts that no matter how efficient artificial intelligence becomes, human interface will always have to be involved in the process. This is especially apparent when systems fail, as someone must take responsibility for the failure. He discussed how machines are inherently biased, as are humans. When gathering training data, there is much benefit in using speed labeling.
Dr. Jerry Crutchfield; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Through sponsored research, he and his team have developed a series of human in-the-loop scenarios pertaining to air traffic technologies and procedures. These validated scenarios reflect a compilation of varied air traffic events in both TRACON and EnRoute environments. For researchers interested in obtaining such data, please contact Jerry.Crutchfield@faa.gov.
Lise Rode; William J. Hughes Technical Center
As the Senior Patent Counsel for the FAA, it is understood that millions of dollars go into innovation every year, helping to stimulate the economy, academia and industry. If an employee works in Research and Development, then ‘tech transfer’ is mandated. This means bringing new technologies into the marketplace, licensing intellectual property to companies that have the resources to develop and produce technology for specific applications.
Jason Coon; William J. Hughes Technical Center
Working in the Office of Portfolio, Planning and Partnership Branch, it is incumbent upon the FAA through FAA Order 9550.6B to support, promote and disseminate scientific and technical information to state and local governments, academia and the private sector. Through this Office, Cooperative Research and Development Agreements (CRDAs) can be established, indicating that an official strategic partnership has been established with the mission of the agency in mind.
Dr. Daniela Kratchounova; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Through her engineering research, she and her team have developed a one-stop shop of weather information for general aviation pilots. In the past, pilots would typically research seven different applications to collect weather information. Her cloud based website combines visual and verbal information (e.g. METARs, TAFs, NOTAMS, PIREPS) helping pilots obtain current weather information to make more well-informed flight decisions. www.avcamplus.faa.gov.
David Weed; Civil Aerospace Medical Institute
Working with the FAA’s Cabin Safety Research Team, in cooperation with Luca Chittaro, University of Udine have created some gaming apps to reinforce the concept of aviation safety for the flying public. The applications are available on your smart phone through Apps Store (iOS) or Play Store (Android). The apps include: Learn to Brace; Life Vest; Plane Troubles; Prepare for Impact, and Air Safety World.
Michael Coffman, FAA Commercial Space Transportation
Space launches are alive and well, as demonstrated by a used SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket launched a double mission from Vandenberg Air Force Base during the time of the HSI Summit. With aviation, the FAA certifies but with commercial space transportation, the FAA issues licenses for commercial launches and reentries. The distinction is that the person or traveler assumes all safety risks when being transported into space.
Dr. Ziho Kang; University of Oklahoma
Participating in the Summit via teleconference, Dr. Kang described his research in eye tracking for training. He examined participants' visual search patterns, their level of situational awareness in EnRoute and Tower environments. He examines how participants fixate on an aircraft, the duration, and their frequency of transitions. Such visual scanning patterns are leading to further research with the FAA Academy and the Civil Aerospace Medical Institute.
The purpose of this one-of-a-kind summit was to explore new methods that will optimize FAA operations and services by opening the dialogue for collaboration and innovative exchange. It’s safe to say, that the objective was achieved, and ideas are already underway in planning next year’s Summit.
If you would like to contribute or have suggestions, please share them with Tony.D.Darnell@faa.gov
