Reducing pilot error mishaps

This document examines the role of life stressors as primary or contributing causal factors in pilot error mishaps (PEMs) and fatalities within US commercial passenger and military aviation. Evidence and professional consensus are presented demonstrating pilot error is implicated in a constant 80% proportion of mishaps, and that many PEMs are due to life stressor adverse impacts on pilot decision-making. Gaps in our knowledge and understanding of how to identify and mitigate life stressor roles in PEMs are elucidated. The spectrum of logical steps from the concept that life stressors are implicated in mishaps to interventions which may reduce pilot error mishaps and fatalities are encapsulated. Analyses of existing and potential PEM "at risk" pilot identification methods and interventions are provided. An exemplar research design to test the efficacy and effectiveness of PEM "at risk" pilot interventions is offered.