Flight safety: ESL flight crew member use of crew alerting and information systems

Abstract

Flight Deck Crew Alerting Systems (FDCAS)—alert systems/Quick Reference Handbook (QRH) checklists are designed with an understanding of how to effectively integrate human capabilities with alert system complexities. There are many English as-a-second language (ESL) flight crewmembers that utilize western designed FDCAS. Purpose of this study was to determine if ESL flight crewmembers’ performance was impacted by use of western built FDCAS during non-normal conditions. Results indicated that ESL flight crewmember English language proficiency and background knowledge were factors that influenced their performance when they utilize crew alerting systems and QRH checklists during non-normal conditions. Design and integration of English language on crew alerting systems and QRH checklists were also contributory factors that impacted flight crewmembers’ performance.