Dr. Hendy has said in the past there are two evolving issues: Captaincy and
Resource Management. Much of the latest, great research has not reached the
line pilot. We need to work together to develop ways to deliver the material.
JOHNT767_at_aol.com
APA National Training Committee
_______________________________
I think you bring up two very important points:
1: Is the research that is being funded what line pilots and line managers
need?
2: Are the findings being translated and communicated in a way that line
pilots, instructors and evaluators can use?
Regarding point number 1, it was traditional for CRM and Human Factors managers
at Airlines to be individuals without formal academic backgrounds in human
factors. It was also common that the researchers had to help the airline
managers define testable hypotheses for research. The aviation human factors
research culture that emerged was one where researchers began approaching the
airline managers and practitioners with their own hypotheses rather than
practitioners crafting their own research priorities, finding the appropriate
researcher for the work, and collectively asking the appropriate agencies to
fund research that matches airline priorities. Over the past few years, the
practitioners have become much more saavy about identifying research priorities.
I think that this forum can be an effective medium for collectively listing and
prioritizing these research needs.
There is a great quote from Peter Drucker's Book "Innovation and
Entrepreneurship" that speaks to this issue. He states on page 66:
"Behind the incongruity between actual and perceived reality, there always lies
an element of intellectual arrogance, of intellectual rigor and dogmatism. 'It
is I, not they, who know .....' This explains why the incongruity is so easily
exploited by innovators: they are left alone and undisturbed."
Regarding point number 2, there are many opportunities to establish
"methods-oriented" tiger teams to explore innovative ways to effectively
translate good science into practice. I believe that the development of
prototype methods can be another effective use of this group's collective
talent.
Best Regards,
Vince Mancuso