Date of Award

6-18-2015

Document Type

Thesis

Degree Name

Master of Science in Systems Engineering

Department

Department of Systems Engineering and Management

First Advisor

Brent T. Langhals, PhD.

Abstract

Human factors are causal or contributory in 80% of Class A mishaps in the Air Force. Risk management tools are used throughout the service in every aircraft to help mitigate the risk of those human factors occurring. The F-15E Strike Eagle community was selected for analysis on the effectiveness of its risk management program but the data was comprised on Class A mishaps from Accident Investigation Boards since 2000 between the F-15 (all models), F-16 (all models), and F-22. Cases were selected if there were human factors root causes or contributory. A fault tree analysis coupled with the Department of Defense's Human Factors Analysis and Classification System guidelines were used to determine the underlying factors which lead to a degradation in the aircrew's ability to avoid catastrophes resulting in the loss of aircraft or life. These results were compared with existing risk management programs in the form of unit worksheet assessments. This study found all risk management programs within the F-15E community to be effective but inadequate for addressing the risk factors and a new assessment tool was developed to properly manage risk to aircrew. Finally, the F-15E training program was found to be contributory to managing risk to aircrew through its proficiency and currency annual program and requirements.

AFIT Designator

AFIT-ENV-MS-15-J-060

DTIC Accession Number

ADA621765

Download

Share

COinS