Pressure: The Persistent Driver of Human Error

Human error remains the leading cause of aviation accidents, and pressure is almost always at found next to route cause. Whether it is scheduling demands or financial targets, the environment often shifts the focus from following procedures to simply getting the task completed. As highlighted in the FAA's dirty dozen (FAA, 2018), this type of environment greatly heightens the chances of making mistakes.

Pressure fundamentally disrupts judgment and alters risk perception. When the staff feel rushed, they are more inclined to cut corners, skip checklist items, or overlook verification steps. These behaviors are often sporadic but deliberate, violations of these kinds are frequently justified as necessary to keep operations running smoothly and according to schedule (Transport Canada, 2017).

The wider implications for safety include the deterioration of established safeguards. When under pressure, safety protocols and regulations may be perceived as a hindrance rather than a protective measure. If this issue is not addressed, organizations become complacent and often become accustomed to accepting greater levels of risk when the immediate results become favorable (ICAO, 2025).

To alleviate these risks, it is essential to manage pressure as a systematic concern. Leadership must establish realistic expectations and ensure that safety is in fact always prioritized over productivity (FAA, 2018).

The bottom line is in a high consequence environment like aviation; productivity is irrelevant if the process has been compromised by pressure.



References

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). (2018). 14-1 human factors chapter 14 introduction. Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook. https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/courses/content/258/1097/AMT_Handbook_Addendum_Human_Factors.pdf

International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO). (2025). Assembly — 42nd session economic commission. International Civil Aviation Organization . https://www.icao.int/sites/default/files/Meetings/a42/Documents/WP/wp_541_en.pdf

Transport Canada. (2017, September 22). Human factors - brochure. https://tc.canada.ca/en/aviation/publications/human-factors-brochure

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