Startle Response / Aviation Safety

 

Startle Response / Aviation Safety 

Loss of Control In-flight (LOC-I) remains one of the most significant contributors to fatal aviation accidents worldwide in general and commercial aviation.

Loss of Control refers to accidents in which the flight crew was unable to maintain control of the aircraft in flight, causing in an unrecoverable deviation from the intended flight path.

Fatal General Aviation Accidents often result from inappropriate responses to unexpected events.

Humans are subject to a “Startle Response” when they are faced with unexpected emergency situations and may delay action or initiate inappropriate action in response to the emergency. Training and preparation can reduce startle response time and promote more effective and timely responses to emergencies.

Source:

FAA Aviation Safety Briefing 

https://www.faa.gov/news/safety_briefing/2017/media/se_topic_17_06.pdf