Who acts as the subject matter expert for human factors in accident investigations?

The role of the subject matter expert for human factors in accident investigations is typically fulfilled by an aeromedical psychologist. Human factors are critical in understanding how human behavior, cognitive processes, and environmental variables contribute to aviation accidents. An aeromedical psychologist is trained to analyze these elements and provide insights into how psychological and physiological factors may have influenced the decisions and actions of individuals involved in an incident. Their expertise is vital in conducting a thorough investigation, as they utilize their knowledge of mental processes, stress responses, and the impact of fatigue on performance.

While other professionals, such as flight surgeons and crew resource management specialists, have important roles in aviation safety, their focus areas differ. Flight surgeons concentrate on the physical health of aircrew members and the effects of medical conditions on flight safety. Crew resource management specialists are dedicated to training and improving teamwork and communication in aviation environments, but they do not specifically specialize in the psychological aspects that an aeromedical psychologist would address. Thus, the aeromedical psychologist's specialized knowledge of human factors makes them the go-to expert in this context.