Why we need more showers in the aircraft

A neurocognitive perspective on the future pilot

Abstract

High levels of complexity in modern commercial aircraft and flight operations feature new accident types featuring a brittle flight crew response to increasingly frequent ambiguous and opaque non-normal situations. Previous work from the author proposes the Airmanship 2.0 concept to mitigate this brittleness by harmonizing the existing compliance-centred safety paradigm with an adaptive, sensemaking function in the flight deck. This article explores the neurocognitive sensemaking mechanisms that may enable this compound role, including related training considerations. A case study in mindfulness training is discussed as an initial practical exploration into such neurocognitive training of pilots. There are tentative indications of a positive impact of mindfulness on flight crew response to ambiguous situations, alongside key reflections on aviation cultural biases and (lack of) readiness for such advanced training.