Human factors considerations for aviation security technologies

All of the civil aviation security technologies being used worldwide have one thing in common-the ultimate decision about whether a bag will be placed on a plane rests in the mind of a human. Continued improvements in aviation security accordingly require human factors interventions to further enhance person-machine performance. This paper discusses the nascent field of aviation security human factors within the aviation psychology discipline. Prior to the Pan Am 103 tragedy, the human component and contribution to aviation security was not considered in terms of its impact on overall system effectiveness. This catastrophic event led to the United States Aviation Security Improvement Act of June 1991 which established the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Aviation Security Human Factors Program. The program's mission is to study and improve human performance in civil aviation security. Current research and development efforts encompass all significant human roles, responsibilities, activities, and impacts within the aviation security system.