How do stress and overload contribute to performance errors in aviation?

Stress and overload negatively impact performance in aviation primarily by impairing judgment and attention. In high-pressure environments, such as those encountered in aviation, individuals may experience cognitive overload, which hampers their ability to process information effectively. This increased stress can lead to a reduction in situational awareness, making it difficult to make sound decisions quickly.

When a pilot or crew member is stressed, their focus can become compromised, resulting in lapses in attention to critical tasks or failure to notice important details in the environment. Moreover, the brain may struggle to prioritize tasks, leading to errors in executing procedures or miscommunication with other team members. In aviation, where precision is vital to safety, these impairments can directly contribute to performance errors, increasing the risk of incidents or accidents. Understanding this relationship between stress, overload, and cognitive performance is essential for managing workload and ensuring safe operations.