The safety of flights is one of the pillars of the modern civil aviation industry. It implies considering all possible risks and introducing the appropriate evaluation methods. Thus, the human factor is viewed as one of the primary sources of threats emerging because of mistakes in this domain. For this reason, the SHELL model is introduced as the framework for analyzing the possible issues and understanding how to manage them. It consists of the following components:
- Software – rule and operating procedures
- Hardware – functional systems
- Environment – the natural environment and setting
- Liveware – human beings (“ICAO SHELL model,” n.d.)
Deficiencies occurring between liveware components might have negative consequences on outcomes, meaning it is critical to acquire a better understanding.
Liveware-liveware interaction might be a source of numerous issues and problems. The interaction between people is linked to leadership issues, cooperation, teamwork, and personality interactions (“ICAO SHELL model,” n.d.). As a result, there is a high risk of mistakes because of misunderstandings, lack of cooperation, and failures to observe commands or instructions (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2018). The deficiencies in this domain might also come from poor instruction, lack of communication, or ineffective interaction models (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2018). These causes often cause emergent situations and might impact the safety of flights and passengers’ security.
Liveware-software domain implies interaction between individuals and the existing rules, regulations, and standard operating procedures. Moreover, it includes computer-based programs designed to perform complex operations (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2018). It is essential to guarantee that all specialists can function within the existing norms and observe the procedures necessary for the safety of flights (“ICAO SHELL model,” n.d.). Significant deficiencies in this sphere emerge when employees fail to work with the existing software components and follow the regulations introduced by regulatory agencies such as ICAO or IATA (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2018). It increases the risk of mistakes and adverse outcomes.
Liveware-hardware is another critical component of the SHELL model impacting the safety of flights. It implies the interface between people and hardware used in the civil aviation sphere (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2018). Specialists’ inability to analyze signs and signals sent by the hardware might serve as the source of significant risks and mistakes (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2018). The deficiencies might include poor use of controllers, incorrect understanding of sensory information provided by the machines, or failure to interact with them. That is why it is essential to consider all possible issues emerging in the sphere and manage them.
Liveware-environment is the last interface from the SHELL model that might help to understand the major deficiencies emerging because of human factors. It implies interactions that cannot be controlled by specialists, such as the physical environment (“ICAO SHELL model,” n.d.). However, they influence the functioning of the aircraft, major operations, and results. The problems might emerge because of the incorrect use of proactive systems for managing weather conditions, noise, or settings (International Civil Aviation Organization, 2018). The effective management of problems emerging within this domain is key to creating a safe environment and avoiding emergencies or crashes.
Altogether, liveware is one of the critical components of the SHELL model. It is used to analyze interactions between the most critical components of human factors and improve their understanding. Following the model, the mismatch between the liveware and one of the components mentioned above might create the basis for the emergence of human error. The hardware, software, and environmental aspects should be considered when minimizing the negative impact of human factors on performance and establishing effective interaction between all aspects.
References
ICAO SHELL model. (n.d.). SkyBinary. Web.
International Civil Aviation Organization. (2018). Safety management manual (4th ed.). ICAO.