Evaluating process-based and crew- centred approaches to procedure design in aviation: workload and performance changes in go-around manoeuvres

In this article, we compare and evaluate two methods of procedure design using an aircraft go-around (GA) as a test scenario. We contrast the manufacturer specified, crew-centric procedure with a redesigned process-centred perspective. We test the claim that the process-centred design can take into account situational factors more effectively and generate less workload. We report a heuristic assessment of the new procedure against design guidelines and an evaluation in a full-flight simulator at the German Aerospace Centre (DLR) using qualified airline pilots to assess workload and performance. Both the manufacturer specified and new procedure were employed in three GA scenarios representative of increasing operational complexity. Results demonstrate an advantage for the new procedure design in the most complex scenario. The new, process-based procedure can reduce reported crew workload and improve response flexibility in more complex scenarios, improving rated performance. This study suggests that the process-based account in procedure design has advantages when compared to the flight crew-centric approach. These advantages include enhanced flexibility, robustness and improved crew performance during GA. •A new process based procedure for aircraft go-around was developed.•This procedure was evaluated in comparison to the manufacturer, crew-centred procedure.•The new procedure reduced pilot workload in the most complex go-around scenario used.•Process based procedures could represent a new way of thinking about procedure design in aviation and beyond.