Delivering the Right Stuff: How the AirlinesÕ Evolution in Human Factors Delivered Safety and Operational Excellence

Delivering the Right Stuff: How the AirlinesÕ Evolution in Human Factors Delivered Safety and Operational ExcellenceTom Wolfes 1979s novel, The Right Stuff, highlighted how seven test pilots were picked to be part of the Mercury Project. In Wolfes book, he documents the enormous risk that these men took to push the envelope and deliver America to be the first on the moon. These men were chosen because of their mental and physical toughnessthey were chosen because they had the right stuff. As the space and aviation industries matured, they quickly learned that

Tom WolfeÕs 1979Õs novel, The Right Stuff, highlighted how seven test pilots were picked to be part of the Mercury Project. In WolfeÕs book, he documents the enormous risk that these men took to push the envelope and deliver America to be the first on the moon.

These men were chosen because of their mental and physical toughnessÑthey were chosen because they had Òthe right stuff.Ó

As the space and aviation industries matured, they quickly learned that relying on men and women to have the Òright stuffÓ does not work. Several high profile fatal airline accidents led to the creation of a new termÑÒHuman Factors.Ó

Delivering the Right Stuff examines the airline industryÕs investigations into Human Factors and details how key findings from aircraft accidents shaped its acceptance of pilot error. It is an evolution that delivered transferrable frontline tools that forged a foundation for safety and operational excellence.