The Hidden Threats: Mastering the "Dirty Dozen" in Aviation Safety
- krdroneworks
- Apr 25
- 3 min read
By Colonel (ret) Bernie Derbach, KR Droneworks Academy, 26 April 26
I
In the high-stakes world of aviation—whether you are piloting a commercial jet or operating a Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) under Level 1 Complex requirements—technical skill is only half the battle. The other half is managing the human element.
The "Dirty Dozen" refers to twelve specific human factors identified by Transport Canada and the FAA that are responsible for the vast majority of flight accidents and maintenance errors. For pilots seeking or holding a Pilot Certificate – Level 1 Complex Operations, understanding these is not just a safety recommendation; it is a core knowledge requirement for managing risks in uncontrolled airspace and beyond visual line-of-sight (BVLOS) missions.
The 12 Human Factors That Compromise Safety
1. Lack of Communication
Failure to share critical information leads to breakdowns.
The Risk: Misunderstandings between the pilot-in-command and visual observers.
Mitigation: Use standardized phraseology and "read-back" protocols to confirm instructions.
2. Complacency
Overconfidence from routine can dull awareness.
The Risk: Skipping pre-flight checks because "it always works."
Mitigation: Treat every flight as if it were your first check-ride. Never sign off work without physical verification.
3. Lack of Knowledge
Incomplete knowledge limits judgment and increases risk.
The Risk: Operating a new RPAS model without reviewing the manual.
Mitigation: Pursue continuous professional development and consult up-to-date technical manuals.
4. Distraction
Divided attention can cause missed cues and poor decisions.
The Risk: Checking a mobile phone during a BVLOS mission.
Mitigation: If interrupted, go back three steps in your checklist to ensure nothing was missed.
5. Lack of Teamwork
Poor coordination weakens safety defenses.
The Risk: Crew members working toward different goals during an emergency.
Mitigation: Conduct thorough pre-task briefings to define roles clearly.
6. Fatigue
Tired minds are slower and less able to handle critical situations.
The Risk: Reduced reaction time during a C2 (Command and Control) link loss.
Mitigation: Adhere strictly to duty time limits and recognize the physical signs of exhaustion.
7. Lack of Resources
Insufficient tools, time, or manpower increase workload.
The Risk: Flying with a degraded battery because a spare wasn't charged.
Mitigation: Plan resource needs in advance and never "make do" with faulty equipment.
8. Pressure
Operational or external pressure can lead to shortcuts.
The Risk: Launching in marginal weather to meet a client's deadline.
Mitigation: Exercise your "Stop-Work Authority." Safety always overrides the schedule.
9. Lack of Assertiveness
Failure to speak up can allow unsafe conditions to continue.
The Risk: A junior crew member seeing a hazard but staying quiet.
Mitigation: Foster an environment where every team member is encouraged to flag risks.
10. Stress
High stress narrows focus and affects decision-making.
The Risk: "Tunnel vision" during a technical malfunction.
Mitigation: Use breathing techniques to stay calm and follow established emergency procedures (SOPs).
11. Lack of Awareness
Not seeing the full picture leads to overlooked hazards.
The Risk: Focusing on the payload while ignoring nearby manned aircraft.
Mitigation: Maintain situational awareness by scanning the entire operational environment, not just the telemetry.
12. Norms
"That's how we've always done it" can keep unsafe practices in place.
The Risk: Ignoring a mandated safety update because it "takes too long."
Mitigation: Follow approved procedures (CARs) rather than unwritten "house rules."
Conclusion: Safe Flights Start with Aware Minds
For the Level 1 Complex pilot, the Dirty Dozen are the "invisible" obstacles in your flight path. By identifying these precursors before they lead to an accident, you transition from a participant to a professional in the aviation safety culture.
References
Transport Canada (2025). Knowledge Requirements for Pilots of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems – Level 1 Complex Operations (TP 15530).
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance: The Dirty Dozen.
Skybrary. Dirty Dozen – Human Factors in Aviation Safety.
SOMA Software. Dirty Dozen Human Factors: Aviation Controls Matrix.
Comments