HUMAN FACTORS TRAININGS · BY ASG
Aviation Human Factors Training Overview
Human Factors (HF) in aviation refers to the study of how human performance, behavior, and limitations interact with the aviation system — including aircraft design, operational procedures, organization, and team dynamics. Human Factors training develops aviation professionals’ understanding of why human errors occur, how they can be mitigated through better system design and organizational processes, and how individuals and teams can manage the non-technical aspects of their work more effectively.
Human Factors is recognized as a primary causal factor in the majority of aviation accidents and incidents. ICAO, EASA, FAA, and national CAAs have all mandated Human Factors training as a component of their regulatory frameworks for flight crew, maintenance personnel, air traffic controllers, and safety management staff. ASG provides Human Factors training that is evidence-based, operationally grounded, and directly applicable to the specific role and sector of each participant. For SMS-specific training that integrates Human Factors principles, see our SMS Trainings page.
Human Factors Regulatory Requirements
Human Factors training is mandated across multiple regulatory frameworks. ICAO Annex 1 requires Human Factors training for air traffic controllers and some maintenance personnel. ICAO Annex 6 Part I requires airlines to include Human Factors and CRM training in their pilot training programmes. For maintenance, ICAO Doc 9824 (Human Factors Guidelines for Aircraft Maintenance Manual) and EASA Part-66 Basic Knowledge requirements explicitly include Human Factors modules.
EASA regulations require CRM training for cabin crew (EU-OPS) and flight crew (Part-FCL), and Non-Technical Skills (NTS) assessment as part of pilot licensing. For maintenance organizations, EASA Part-145 includes Human Factors and safety culture requirements. IOSA standards cover Human Factors-related requirements across multiple domains: FLT CRM, MNT maintenance human factors, CAB cabin crew NTS, and ORG safety culture management.
The most impactful Human Factors training moves beyond awareness to behavioral change: developing concrete skills that aviation professionals apply under pressure, time constraints, and workload conditions that characterize real operational environments. SHELL model understanding, threat and error management (TEM) frameworks, error-producing conditions recognition, and assertiveness skills in hierarchical teams are key competencies that distinguish effective Human Factors training from generic awareness programmes.
ASG designs Human Factors training that develops these behavioral competencies, using incident case studies, group exercises, and role-play scenarios tailored to specific aviation operational contexts. For organizations integrating Human Factors into their SMS, our training connects HF principles directly to hazard identification, safety reporting, and just culture frameworks — see our Safety Management Systems consulting page.
Our Human Factors Training Programmes
Aviation Human Factors Awareness (All Staff)
Our foundational Human Factors Awareness programme provides all aviation staff with an understanding of: human performance and limitations (SHELL model, dirty dozen maintenance errors, cognitive biases), threat and error management (TEM) principles, safety reporting and just culture, communication in safety-critical environments, and situational awareness. Available as a half-day classroom or 3-hour online self-paced module.
Maintenance Human Factors (MHF/MEDA Programme)
Our Maintenance Human Factors programme is specifically designed for aircraft maintenance technicians, certifying staff, and maintenance managers. It covers: the “Dirty Dozen” maintenance error causes, Boeing Maintenance Error Decision Aid (MEDA) methodology, maintenance error reporting and investigation, human factors in maintenance documentation, shift handover management, and personal limitations management. Aligned to EASA Part-145 and IOSA MNT human factors requirements. Available as a 1-day classroom or online programme.
CRM & Non-Technical Skills (NTS) Training
ASG provides Crew Resource Management (CRM) and Non-Technical Skills (NTS) training for flight crew, cabin crew, air traffic controllers, and ramp supervisors. Our CRM programmes cover: situational awareness, decision-making, communication, leadership and team management, workload management, and automation complacency. Our NTS for ramp supervisors programme applies CRM principles to the ground operations environment. Training is delivered by facilitators with operational experience in the target role category.
Benefits of Aviation Human Factors Training
Why Choose Aero Support Group for Human Factors Training?
ASG’s Human Factors trainers include former pilots, maintenance engineers, and safety investigators with direct operational experience and advanced Human Factors qualifications (ICAO HF Instructor, EASA NTS/CRM examiner qualifications). Our training is grounded in real aviation incidents and accidents, ensuring participants understand the practical consequences of human factors failures rather than just theoretical concepts.
We provide Human Factors training customized for specific aviation sectors and regulatory contexts: EASA Part-145 MHF for MRO technicians, IOSA CRM/NTS for airline operations staff, ISAGO ground handler NTS programmes, and ANSP Human Factors training. For complete safety culture and SMS integration, see our Safety Management Systems consulting.
Human Factors training is required for: flight crew (CRM — regulatory requirement under ICAO Annex 6 and EASA FCL), cabin crew (CRM under EU OPS), maintenance personnel (EASA Part-66 basic training + Part-145 recurrent HF), air traffic controllers (ICAO Annex 1), and safety management staff (ICAO Annex 19 safety promotion). Many organisations also provide general HF awareness training for all staff as part of safety culture programmes.
The SHELL model is a conceptual framework for understanding human factors in aviation systems. It represents the interfaces between: Liveware (the human at the center), Software (procedures, rules, documentation), Hardware (equipment, tools, aircraft systems), Environment (physical and organizational environment), and Liveware-Liveware (interpersonal interactions). The SHELL model helps aviation professionals understand that most errors result from mismatches at these interfaces rather than individual incompetence.
The “Dirty Dozen” are 12 common preconditions for human error in aircraft maintenance: lack of communication, complacency, lack of knowledge, distraction, lack of teamwork, fatigue, lack of resources, pressure, lack of assertiveness, stress, lack of awareness, and norms. These factors can be addressed through targeted training, procedure design, and safety culture management. ASG’s MHF programme specifically addresses all Dirty Dozen factors with practical mitigation strategies.
CRM training for flight and cabin crew is typically required annually or every 2 years under EASA and national CAA requirements. Maintenance Human Factors recurrent training is required annually under EASA Part-145. General Human Factors awareness refreshers are typically provided every 2-3 years as part of safety training programmes. ASG can advise on regulatory requirements for your specific organization type.
Yes. Safety promotion — one of the four components of ICAO Annex 19 SMS — explicitly includes safety training as a required activity. Human Factors training contributes to both safety culture development and the safety promotion component of your SMS programme. IOSA ORG standards assess the safety promotion and training elements of SMS programmes, and Human Factors training evidence is relevant to this assessment.
- Aviation Human Factors Awareness for all staff (SHELL model, Dirty Dozen, TEM)
- Maintenance Human Factors (MHF/MEDA) for EASA Part-145 MROs
- CRM and Non-Technical Skills (NTS) for flight crew, cabin crew, and ramp supervisors
- Operationally grounded training using real aviation incident case studies
- Classroom, virtual instructor-led, and online delivery formats
- Trainers with operational experience and advanced HF/CRM qualifications
Ready to Build Your Aviation Human Factors Training Programme?
Human Factors training that changes behavior — not just awareness — requires expertise in both the science of human performance and the realities of aviation operational environments. Aero Support Group provides Human Factors training that is evidence-based, operationally relevant, and directly applicable to your specific aviation sector. Contact our team to discuss your Human Factors training requirements.
- Human Factors Training
- CRM Training
- Maintenance Human Factors
- SHELL Model
- Non-Technical Skills
- Aviation Safety Culture
References
- ICAO Doc 9683 — Human Factors Training Manual (1998)
- ICAO Doc 9824 — Human Factors Guidelines for Aircraft Maintenance
- EASA Part-66 — Appendix 1, Module 9: Human Factors (mandatory basic knowledge)
- Commission Regulation (EU) 1178/2011 — Part-FCL: CRM training requirements for flight crew
- ICAO Annex 19, 3rd Edition — Safety Promotion: Safety training requirements within SMS
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