Threat and error management: Difference between revisions

Latest revision as of 16:31, 16 February 2025

Threat and Error Management[edit]

Diagram of the Threat and Error Management model

Threat and Error Management (TEM) is a concept used in aviation safety to manage human performance and operational safety. It is a framework that helps identify and manage threats and errors that occur in the aviation environment. The TEM model is widely used in pilot training and safety management systems.

Overview[edit]

The TEM model is based on the understanding that threats and errors are inevitable in complex operational environments. The model provides a structured approach to identify, manage, and mitigate these threats and errors before they lead to accidents or incidents.

Threats[edit]

In the context of TEM, a threat is any event or condition that occurs outside the influence of the flight crew, which increases the operational complexity of a flight. Threats can be environmental, such as weather conditions, or operational, such as air traffic control instructions.

Errors[edit]

An error is an action or inaction by the flight crew that leads to a deviation from organizational or flight crew intentions or expectations. Errors can occur in various forms, including procedural errors, communication errors, and decision-making errors.

Undesired Aircraft States[edit]

An undesired aircraft state is a position, condition, or attitude of an aircraft that clearly reduces safety margins. It is a result of mismanaged threats or errors and requires immediate attention to return the aircraft to a safe state.

The TEM Model[edit]

The TEM model is often depicted as a "snowcone" diagram, illustrating the flow from threats to errors, and then to undesired aircraft states. The model emphasizes the importance of managing threats and errors to prevent them from escalating into undesired aircraft states.

Managing Threats[edit]

Managing threats involves identifying potential threats before they impact the flight. This can be achieved through effective situational awareness, risk assessment, and crew resource management.

Managing Errors[edit]

Error management involves detecting and correcting errors before they lead to undesired aircraft states. This requires effective communication, checklists, and standard operating procedures.

Managing Undesired Aircraft States[edit]

When an undesired aircraft state occurs, it is crucial to recover the aircraft to a safe state. This involves prompt recognition and appropriate corrective action by the flight crew.

Applications[edit]

The TEM framework is applied in various aspects of aviation, including pilot training, safety audits, and incident investigations. It is an integral part of safety management systems in aviation organizations.

Related Pages[edit]

@@ Line 1: / Line 1: @@
-'''Threat and Error Management (TEM)''' is a comprehensive, safety management approach that focuses on understanding the interactions between [[threats]], [[errors]], and [[undesired aircraft states]] in aviation operations. TEM is rooted in the principle that safety in aviation is not solely the absence of accidents and incidents but also the presence of effective defenses to manage threats and errors. This approach has been widely adopted in [[flight training]], [[airline operations]], and by regulatory bodies around the world to enhance safety.
+== Threat and Error Management ==
-==Overview==
+[[File:TEMsnowconemodel.png|thumb|right|Diagram of the Threat and Error Management model]]
-TEM originated from research conducted by the [[University of Texas Human Factors Research Project]], which was sponsored by the [[Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)]] in the late 1990s. The framework identifies three main components in aviation operations: threats, errors, and undesired aircraft states.
-* '''Threats''' are external or internal events or conditions that occur outside the influence of the flight crew but require management if safety margins are to be maintained.
+'''Threat and Error Management''' (TEM) is a concept used in aviation safety to manage human performance and operational safety. It is a framework that helps identify and manage threats and errors that occur in the aviation environment. The TEM model is widely used in pilot training and safety management systems.
-* '''Errors''' are actions or inactions by the flight crew that lead to deviations from intended operations or procedures.
-* '''Undesired Aircraft States''' are situations where an aircraft is in a position or condition that significantly increases the probability of an accident.
-The goal of TEM is to provide strategies and countermeasures to manage these components effectively, thereby reducing the risk of incidents and accidents.
+== Overview ==
-==Principles==
+The TEM model is based on the understanding that threats and errors are inevitable in complex operational environments. The model provides a structured approach to identify, manage, and mitigate these threats and errors before they lead to accidents or incidents.
-TEM is built on several key principles:
-* '''Proactivity''': Identifying potential threats and errors before they lead to undesired outcomes.
+=== Threats ===
-* '''Resilience''': Developing the capacity to recover from or adjust to threats and errors.
-* '''Adaptability''': The ability to change plans or actions in response to changing conditions.
-* '''Teamwork''': Encouraging effective communication and collaboration among all members of the flight crew and other relevant personnel.
-==Implementation==
+In the context of TEM, a '''threat''' is any event or condition that occurs outside the influence of the flight crew, which increases the operational complexity of a flight. Threats can be environmental, such as weather conditions, or operational, such as air traffic control instructions.
-Implementing TEM involves several steps, including:
-* '''Training''': Educating pilots, air traffic controllers, and other aviation personnel on TEM principles and practices.
+=== Errors ===
-* '''Briefings''': Conducting pre-flight and in-flight briefings to identify and plan for potential threats.
-* '''Monitoring and Cross-Checking''': Continuously monitoring flight conditions and cross-checking actions to detect and manage errors.
-* '''Feedback''': Providing constructive feedback on TEM performance to encourage continuous improvement.
-==Benefits==
+An '''error''' is an action or inaction by the flight crew that leads to a deviation from organizational or flight crew intentions or expectations. Errors can occur in various forms, including procedural errors, communication errors, and decision-making errors.
-The adoption of TEM has been shown to significantly enhance safety in aviation by:
-* Reducing the occurrence of accidents and incidents.
+=== Undesired Aircraft States ===
-* Improving situational awareness and decision-making.
-* Enhancing teamwork and communication among crew members.
-* Fostering a proactive safety culture within organizations.
-==Challenges==
+An '''undesired aircraft state''' is a position, condition, or attitude of an aircraft that clearly reduces safety margins. It is a result of mismanaged threats or errors and requires immediate attention to return the aircraft to a safe state.
-Despite its benefits, implementing TEM can face challenges, including:
-* Resistance to change from traditional practices.
+== The TEM Model ==
-* The need for ongoing training and reinforcement.
-* Ensuring consistent application across different teams and operations.
-==Conclusion==
+The TEM model is often depicted as a "snowcone" diagram, illustrating the flow from threats to errors, and then to undesired aircraft states. The model emphasizes the importance of managing threats and errors to prevent them from escalating into undesired aircraft states.
-Threat and Error Management represents a paradigm shift in aviation safety, moving from a reactive to a proactive approach. By focusing on the management of threats and errors, TEM enhances the ability of aviation personnel to maintain safety margins and prevent accidents. As the aviation industry continues to evolve, TEM remains a critical component of safety management systems, ensuring that safety is always the top priority.
+=== Managing Threats ===
+Managing threats involves identifying potential threats before they impact the flight. This can be achieved through effective [[situational awareness]], [[risk assessment]], and [[crew resource management]].
+=== Managing Errors ===
+Error management involves detecting and correcting errors before they lead to undesired aircraft states. This requires effective [[communication]], [[checklists]], and [[standard operating procedures]].
+=== Managing Undesired Aircraft States ===
+When an undesired aircraft state occurs, it is crucial to recover the aircraft to a safe state. This involves prompt recognition and appropriate corrective action by the flight crew.
+== Applications ==
+The TEM framework is applied in various aspects of aviation, including pilot training, safety audits, and incident investigations. It is an integral part of [[safety management systems]] in aviation organizations.
+== Related Pages ==
+* [[Crew Resource Management]]
+* [[Human Factors in Aviation]]
+* [[Safety Management Systems]]
+* [[Aviation Safety]]
+{{Aviation safety}}
 [[Category:Aviation safety]]
-[[Category:Risk management]]
+[[Category:Human factors]]
-{{aviation-stub}}