Communication Errors in Aviation 2
VIABLE SOLUTIONS FOR COMMUNICATION ERRORS IN AVIATION
For
Mr. Chapman
Technical Communication Instructor
Western Michigan University
Kalamazoo, MI
By
Bashar Al kalbani
IEE 1020 student
Submitted November 22, 2021
TABLE OF CONTENTS
ABSTRACT………………………………………………………………………………….……3
INTRODUCTION……………………………………………………………………………….4
Definitions and Background…………………………………………………………….4
Audience and Purpose………………………………………………………………………..4
Sources……………………………………………………………………………………5
Working Definitions……………………………………………………………………..5
Limitations……………………………………………………………………………….6
Scope…………………………………………………………………………………………..6
COLLECTED DATA…………………………………………………………………………………6
Verbal Communication Problems………………………………………………………6
Miscommunication is a constant problem in ATC………………………………..7
Controllers and pilots each have different understandings ……………………….7
Verbal communication problems should be addressed……………………………8
Air Traffic Control System and ATC/Pilot Relationship…………………………………..8
Pilots and controllers differ……………………………………………………….8
Pilots deal with dozens of controllers during any flight……………………………….9
Both pilots and controllers need to be clear about the ATC system………………9
Situational Awareness………………………………………………………………………10
Controllers need a clear mental picture of the traffic situation………………….10
Pilots should be aware of existing inter-relationships……………………………11
Controllers and pilots should be mindful of their jobs…………………………..11
CONCLUSION……………………………………………………………….…………………12
Summary……………………………………………………………………………………..12
Interpretation of Findings………………………………………………………………12
Recommendations………………………………………………………………………13
REFERENCES………………………………………………………………………………….14
ABSTRACT
While the aviation industry continues to strive towards mitigating the adverse outcomes that result from communication errors, the problems that result from bad communication continue to persist. Many in the aviation industry remain baffled as to what measures or solutions would be best adapted to help solve the issue of communication error while others remain steadfast and maintain the spirit of finding a permanent answer. Although a solution to communication errors in aviation may not be universally applicable, some of the possibilities that have been mentioned are worth a try. These solutions include addressing verbal communication problems, understanding the role of Air Traffic Controllers in relation to pilots, and improving staff’s situational awareness. In some instances, integration of the three solutions may be the best approach towards finding a lasting solution.
INTRODUCTION
Definitions and Background
Instances of miscommunication within the aviation industry have been pointed out as the leading causes of air traffic incidents to date. As hundreds of airlines and aviation workers continue to provide a much-needed service for both passengers and goods, the elephant in the room remains as finding solutions to such errors becomes paramount. The need to take the necessary steps to improve communication has never been greater as most workers and academics in the field term mispronunciations, misunderstandings, and information overload as the main causes of communication errors in aviation (Barshi & Farris, 2016). Thus, the main aim of this paper is to research the feasibility of the suggested solutions being successful. These include addressing the verbal communication problems, understanding the role of air traffic controllers in relation to pilots, and improving staff’s situational awareness.
Audience and Purpose
The paper’s level of writing is sub-technical, meaning the problems and solutions described should be easily understandable by those outside the aviation industry. Students, researchers, and those working in the industry will also benefit from the in-depth discussions that follow in the next pages. The purpose of this paper is to shed light on communication errors and research three viable solutions to the problem. By exposing the issue, this paper may encourage airline companies to invest their resources in improving their communication channels and training their staff to better their communication skills. Aviation students can also learn a lot in terms of communication skills and the importance of communicating effectively.
Sources
The sources were obtained using the university online library and will include academic journals, trade magazine articles, general information articles, and general reference articles. These sources provide good information regarding the subject and have been written by experts in the field.
Working Definitions
The paper contains several phrases and terms that may be unfamiliar to readers who are not from the aviation industry or do not have any knowledge of the field. However, these terms help enhance the conclusions and discussions and are, therefore, important concepts of the paper. These are:
ATC – An acronym that stands for Air Traffic Controller. ATCs are involved in communicating with pilots and directing them while on the ground and through controlled and non-controlled airspaces. ATCs are ground-based staff, and their primary role is to help prevent collisions and to direct traffic while supporting pilots on any other issues (Barshi & Farris, 2016).
Navigate – This term is used to describe the action of directing an airplane’s course and piloting it without breaking any laws or endangering the lives of the people on board (Bryan, 2021).
Ground control – These are the personnel on the ground responsible for monitoring the progress of the airplane and guiding the airplane towards and from the runway. They are responsible for the safe movement of the airplane while it is on the ground (Vieira & Santos, 2010).
Limitations
This paper will generally focus on communication errors within the general aviation sector. The discussions will mainly revolve around miscommunication between ATCs and pilots. There will be no specific discussions on communication processes in the military, commercial, or any other specialized sector in aviation. Furthermore, this paper will not cover the economic effects that such issues may have on the affected airlines and their respective owners. It will only discuss the general adverse outcomes that may result when such problems occur in the aviation industry.
Scope
This report will begin by covering the possible issues that arise when pilots and controllers (ATCs) fail to communicate clearly. It will then cover the possible solutions that may help solve these issues, including addressing the verbal communication problems, understanding the role of air traffic controllers in relation to pilots, and improving staff’s situational awareness. There will be an examination of the advantages and disadvantages of each of these solutions while a suggestion for future studies will also be made.
COLLECTED DATA
Verbal Communication Problems
Communication is obviously an important aspect of aviation. Air traffic controllers (ATCs) are always in constant communication with pilots and vice versa. As a result, communication errors between the two parties are common (Borowska, 2018). However, some of these errors lead to calamities that could have been easily avoided. Although such errors can take place between members of staff on all levels, those that take place between pilots and ATCs are the most crucial to the safety of everyone involved. Ignoring the need to improve communication between ATCs and pilots would certainly need more breakdowns and thus more calamities in the air.
Miscommunication is a Constant Problem in ATC
Miscommunication errors in ATC have been termed as the leading causal factor in many fatal flight incidents (Barshi & Farris, 2016). Such errors can be attributed to mispronunciations, misunderstandings, and information overload. According to Barshi and Farris (2016), an important element of aviation safety is effective radio communication. However, when such communication equipment encounters a problem or malfunctions, it can lead to complete communication failure because a faulty apparatus can make the message difficult to hear. Also, misunderstandings and misinterpretations can occur due to incorrect transmission (Barshi & Farris, 2016).
Controllers and Pilots Have Different Understandings
Verbal communication problems are also likely to occur because ATCs and pilots may, sometimes, have different understandings of the communication system. Pilots and ATCs are on opposite sides of the communication medium, and thus have opposite perspectives of the system in use. A pilot may expect the system to work in a particular way that is different from the ATC’s expectations (Bryan, 2021). This miscommunication may take place on this front. Also, frequency misunderstanding might result from disturbances such as high-power RF sources, atmospheric disturbances, and other background noises.
Verbal Communication Problems Should Be Addressed
Verbal communication issues should be addressed as soon as they are identified to help prevent fatal flight incidents (Borowska, 2018). Air traffic controllers and pilots ought to receive proper training before they are allowed to carry on with their respective jobs. Necessary enhanced training for pilots and ATCs is needed to help the two parties gain the required knowledge and understanding needed to communicate clearly and effectively. Although English is the common language for aviation, standard phrases can have some confusing elements for non-native English speakers. English also fails when it comes to expressing specific directions to pilots, and thus this confusion should be enough to disqualify the language’s permanent status in aviation (Borowska, 2018).
Air Traffic Control System and ATC/Pilot Relationship
Pilots and Controllers Differ
The conflicting pressures of efficiency and safety differ between pilots and ATCs. According to Tahlia Fisher (2018), ineffective communication between pilots and ATCs can result from misunderstanding each other’s roles and a lack of understanding of the pressures that come with each other’s roles. Arguably, most technicians and engineers within the aviation industry tend to understand the role that human factors play in affecting one’s everyday work (Fisher, 2018). However, ATCs and pilots are often under a lot of pressure, with some instances requiring a moment’s action rather than time to ponder over the next move. Under such conflicting pressure of efficiency and safety, miscommunication is bound to take place. A solution to this issue is having a sensitization program that will allow both ATCs and pilots to be aware if each other’s roles and the pressures that come as a result. Relationships like these can sink when one side feels that the other is taking them for granted or when patience levels run out during emergencies.
Pilots Deal with Dozens of Controllers During Any Flight
Pilots deal with dozens of controllers during any flight, and the reverse is true for ATCs (Pilot-Controller Communications, 2020). Thus, each side must articulate its needs clearly to the other to ensure good communication is maintained. While dealing with dozens of pilots at any given time, an air traffic controller needs to be alert and aware of the instructions they are giving out. According to Wu et al. (2019), the sheer volume of communication that takes place at many airports around the world often places pressure on pilots and ATCs to speak fast. Air traffic frequencies are often congested as a result, and pilots are forced to compete to get a clear communication channel with ATCs. Thus, this accelerated communication can easily lead to communication errors that may end up being fatal. With safety being the main goal, airports should try and at least ensure that the ratio between pilots and ATCs is fair enough to facilitate good communication (Wu et al., 2019).
Both pilots and controllers need to be clear about the ATC system
Both pilots and controllers need to be clear about the ATC system and its role in helping their jobs become easier (Barshi & Farris, 2016). ATC systems help coordinate patterns to make sure airplanes in the air and on the ground keep a safe distance from each other. The standard communication method between ATCs and pilots is voice radio. Thus, pilots need to be aware that while they are in communication with the ATCs through the system, giving long, detailed transmissions can tie up the frequency. Controllers are always in constant communication with two or more pilots at any given time. Therefore, they are relied upon to issue timely control instructions (Barshi & Farris, 2016). Having any kind of delay in the ATC system can, thus, affect the safety of other pilots. Understanding how the system works and learning how to use it correctly is an important aviation skill. Both pilots and controllers need to learn about the essentials of radio contact to avoid any communication errors that may arise. Also, student pilots need to learn the common aviation phraseology and to be aware of the common terms used by controllers during communication.
Situational Awareness
Controllers and pilots need to have a crystal-clear picture of the current dynamics and state of the systems they are operating (Kale, Herrera & Nagy, 2021). Regardless of how pilots and controllers listen in, they both need to have a clear understanding of the current dynamics and state of the system to effectively anticipate future developments and change. Situational awareness can be defined as the ability to extract information from an environment and use this information to direct future decisions (Kale, Herrera, & Nagy, 2021). Research has repeatedly found that for pilots, having a clear mental picture of the inter-relationship between flight conditions, location, and configuration is a sign of good situational awareness. For controllers, situational awareness mostly involves having to acquire and maintain a clear mental image of the aircraft traffic conditions.
Controllers Need a Clear Mental Picture of The Traffic Situation
Air traffic controllers are often required to acquire and maintain a clear mental picture of the situation regarding traffic (Oda, 2020). Situational awareness in air traffic control dictates that controllers need to be constantly aware of each aircraft’s rapidly changing location and other parameters such as communications, fuel, and destination. Therefore, it is important for ATCs to ensure that they develop a clear mental knowledge of situations as their decisions largely dictate the outcomes. However, this is easier said than done because providing a clear image of the situation could be daunting, especially since controllers work in an environment where the demands are high and complex (Wu, Molesworth & Estival, 2019).
Pilots Should Be Aware of Existing Inter-relationships
Pilots should also have a clear mental image of the inter-relationship that exists between flight conditions, locations, and configurations of the airplane as this helps build up their situational awareness (Vieira & Santos, 2010). The energy state and configuration of the aircraft are also important information for pilots to be aware of, and so are obstructions, proximate terrain, weather systems, and airspace reservations. For pilots, the likely consequences for having poor situational awareness include airspace infringement, loss of control and separation, or an encounter with high turbulence (Wu, Molesworth & Estival, 2019). Although there has not been enough research on situational awareness and how pilots can lose it, studies have shown that factors such as fatigue, work overload, and inattention are termed as likely causes.
Controllers and Pilots Should be Mindful of their Jobs
Controllers and pilots need to be mindful of their jobs and thus practice being present in the moment while working (Fisher, 2018). Even though the literature researching the connection between mindfulness and aviation is scarce, many aspects of being a pilot or controller can be correlated. According to the Aeronautical Information Manual, pilots are required to fill the IMSAFE checklist that assesses their fitness to fly. The acronym stands for Illness, Medications, Stress, Alcohol, Fatigue, and Emotion. Each pilot reflects on the acronym prior to each flight, and it is interesting to note that two of the items refer to one’s mental state. It is important to identify when one’s stress levels have reached a point where it affects other areas. Thus, airline pilots and controllers need to take mindfulness techniques seriously so that they can quickly realize when they are not fit to fly. Emotion and stress can distract a worker and cause miscommunication, and distractions mostly lead to accidents (Fisher, 2018).
CONCLUSION
Summary
This paper has discussed what communication errors in aviation are and discusses possible solutions to the problems that arise as a result. Even though this paper only discusses three viable solutions to the issue, many researchers and industry professionals are looking for more possible interventions. However, the implementation of the three proposed solutions – addressing verbal communication problems, understanding the role of ATCs in relation to pilots, and improving staff’s situational awareness – all help alleviate possible calamities that may result from miscommunication between pilots and controllers.
Interpretation of Findings
The viability of all three solutions to communication errors in aviation is obvious. However, implementing one solution and ignoring the other will not have the desired outcome for any pilot or controller looking to improve their productivity. Thus, it is suggested that interested individuals to blend all three of the solutions to improve their communication skills and safely operate. It is important for leaders within the aviation industry to primarily focus on providing an understanding of how pilots and controllers can address any verbal communication problems as soon as they identify them. Addressing verbal communication problems, understanding the role of ATCs in relation to pilots, and improving staff’s situational awareness and mindfulness could be possible solutions.
Recommendations
It is strongly recommended that pilots and controllers in airports around the world begin implementing these three solutions to help solve the problem of miscommunication. Students of aviation should also be made aware of these three practices while in school so that they can easily adapt to their roles once they begin employment. Although airlines could investigate providing additional training for their pilots, time taken during these pieces of training often take away from other areas and they come at a financial cost. Teaching pilots and controllers how to improve their communication skills, direct their awareness and focus, and carry out risk assessments is important. Tools such as practicing mindfulness could go a long way in addressing communication problems between controllers and pilots.
References
Barshi, I., & Farris, C. (2016). Misunderstandings in ATC communication: Language, cognition, and experimental methodology. Routledge. doi: 10.4324/9781315595641
Borowska, A. P. (2018). A multilingual speaker in global aviation communication. Applied Linguistics Papers, (25/2), 11-19. doi: 10.32612/uw.25449354.2018.2
Bryan, V. (2021). Air India Express 1344 crash down to pilot error. Aerotime.aero. https://www.aerotime.aero/28872-air-india-express-crash-kozhikode
Communication—it’s what we do all the time. (2019). Flight Safety Australia. https://www.flightsafetyaustralia.com/2019/04/comm
Fisher, T. (2018). It’s a Matter of Communication. Aviationpros.com. https://www.aviationpros.com/aircraft/commercial-airline/article/12402208/its-a-matter-of-communication
Kale, U., Herrera, M., & Nagy, A. (2021). Examining pragmatic failure and other language-related risks in global aviation. Aircraft Engineering and Aerospace Technology. doi: 10.1108/AEAT-03-2021-0081
Oda, M. (2020). Emergency! Do We Still Have to Speak English?: English as a Lingua Franca for Aviation. In Functional Variations in English (pp. 45-59). Springer, Cham. doi:10.1007/978-3-030-52225-4_4
Pilot-Controller Communications (OGHFA BN). (2020). SKYbrary Aviation Safety. https://www.skybrary.aero/index.php/Pilot-Controller_Communications_(OGHFA_BN)
Vieira, A. M., & Santos, I. C. D. (2010). Communication skills: a mandatory competence for ground and airplane crew to reduce tension in extreme situations. Journal of Aerospace Technology and Management, 2(3), 361-370. doi: 10.5028/jatm.2010.02038110
Wu, Q., Molesworth, B. R., & Estival, D. (2019). An investigation into the factors that affect miscommunication between pilots and air traffic controllers in commercial aviation. The international journal of aerospace psychology, 29(1-2), 53-63. doi: 10.1080/24721840.2019.1604138
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