Episode 148 - Lessons from Aviation Psychology: The Importance of Competencies and a Broader View of Human Factors with Aleksandra Kapela

Episode 148 - Lessons from Aviation Psychology: The Importance of Competencies and a Broader View of Human Factors with Aleksandra Kapela

From The Safety Guru by Eric Michrowski

February 19, 2026 · 49 min · Season 7 · Episode 148

About this episode

This episode features a discussion with aviation psychologist Aleksandra Kapela on the importance of competencies and a broader view of human factors in safety-critical industries.

In this episode of The Safety Guru, we’re joined by certified aviation psychologist Aleksandra Kapela for a deep dive into aviation psychology and human factors, exploring what other safety-critical industries can learn from aviation. Aleksandra shares how modern thinking on human factors has evolved, emphasizing the importance of understanding the environment in which we operate, as well as the capabilities and limitations of the human brain. She breaks down the importance of identifying core competencies and explains why competency-based training and assessment (CBTA) is essential for preparing individuals to perform effectively in unpredictable, safety-critical situations and how these principles can be applied across a wide range of industries. She also explains why a broader, more holistic view of human factors is essential for improving safety performance and building sustainable safety cultures where people feel supported, are encouraged to speak up, and perform at their best. Don’t miss this informative episode packed with valuable lessons from aviation psychology! About the Guest: Aleksandra Kapela is a certified aviation psychologist, speaker, author, and independent…

People in this episode

Host: Eric Michrowski

Guest: Aleksandra Kapela

Topics covered

  • aviation psychology
  • human factors
  • safety performance
  • competency-based training
  • safety culture

Keywords

  • aviation psychology
  • human factors
  • competency-based training
  • safety culture
  • safety performance
  • decision-making
  • human reliability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: aviation psychology, competency-based training and assessment (CBTA), airlines, flight schools, safety-critical industries

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