What is Threat and Error Management?

Pilot threat and error management (TEM) is a set of strategies and techniques that pilots use to identify and mitigate potential hazards and mistakes during flight. It is a critical aspect of aviation safety, as it helps pilots to anticipate and prevent accidents and incidents from occurring. TEM has a long history in the field of aviation, with early efforts to address human error in aviation dating back to the 1930s.

One of the key concepts in TEM is the recognition of threats. A threat is any factor that has the potential to compromise the safety of a flight. Threats can be external, such as bad weather or a malfunctioning piece of equipment, or internal, such as fatigue or distraction. It is the responsibility of the pilot to identify and assess these threats and to take appropriate action to mitigate them.

The next step in TEM is error management. Errors are actions or decisions that deviate from the correct or expected course of action. They can occur at any stage of flight and can be the result of a variety of factors, including misunderstandings, miscommunications, or poor decision-making. Like threats, errors can have serious consequences if not identified and corrected in a timely manner.

To manage threats and errors effectively, pilots use a range of strategies, including standard operating procedures, checklists, and crew resource management (CRM). Standard operating procedures (SOPs) are established procedures that pilots follow to ensure that tasks are completed safely and efficiently. Checklists are also an important part of TEM, as they help pilots to verify that all necessary steps have been taken and that equipment is functioning properly. CRM is a set of communication and teamwork skills that pilots use to effectively share information and resources with their crew and to make decisions as a team.

One of the most effective tools for managing threats and errors is situational awareness (SA). SA is the ability to accurately perceive, understand, and predict the elements of a situation and to use that information to make effective decisions. It is essential for pilots to maintain high levels of SA throughout the flight, as it allows them to anticipate and respond to potential threats and errors before they become serious issues.

There are several factors that can impact a pilot's SA, including workload, stress, and fatigue. To maintain high levels of SA, pilots must manage their workload effectively, and they should also be aware of the signs of stress and fatigue and take steps to mitigate these factors.

In summary, pilot threat and error management is a crucial aspect of aviation safety. It involves the identification and assessment of threats, the management of errors, and the use of strategies and techniques such as SOPs, checklists, CRM, and SA to ensure the safe and successful completion of a flight.