Modern military aircraft have evolved at a remarkable pace over the past 70 years. They fly further, faster and process more information than ever before. The humans who operate them, however, remain bound by the same physiological and cognitive limits. 

As the Institute of Aviation Medicine (IAM) marked its 70th anniversary on June 11, that widening gap between technological advancement and human performance is becoming one of Defence’s most important aviation challenges. 

Operating with about 45 staff, IAM helps Defence generate, sustain and deploy its aviation workforce through aeromedical assessments, specialist training, human performance analysis and operational decision support. 

IAM consists of specialised teams from aviation medical doctors, psychologists, training staff, aircrew and technicians, and an engineer who support the equipment.

As Defence introduces increasingly advanced aircrafts and systems, the institute’s aeromedical analysis and decision support team (AADS) is shifting focus towards understanding and optimising human performance. 

Principal adviser of AADS, Adrian Smith, said that while the demands of flying legacy aircraft were predominantly physical, the demands of modern aircraft were largely cognitive.

“Aircraft capabilities have advanced tremendously over the last 70 years, but human capacity has not, leading to a gap where aircraft performance pushes the human occupants to their limits of tolerance even when maximally protected,” Dr Smith said. 

'IAM's [Institute of Aviation Medicine] role is to prepare operators for their worst day, not support them in their best day under optimum conditions when everything is going well.'

The team helps commanders understand the impact of fatigue, workload, environmental stressors and other human factors on performance, ensuring operational decisions are informed by a realistic understanding of human limitations – a key capability in providing fighting depth. 

Regional senior aviation medical officers at RAAF Bases Amberley, Williamtown and East Sale also provide tailored advice to commanders with in-depth knowledge of the issues impacting each base.

“IAM's role is to prepare operators for their worst day, not support them in their best day under optimum conditions when everything is going well,” Dr Smith said.

For Commanding Officer IAM Wing Commander Sally Faulks, one of the biggest misconceptions about aviation medicine was that it existed to limit capability rather than enable it. 

“Many people in Defence view aviation medicine as obstructive and having the goal of grounding pilots. In reality, our aviation medicine doctors do everything they can to keep our aircrew flying in balance with aviation safety,” Wing Commander Faulks said. 

“IAM operates at the intersection of health and aviation safety.

“It is a privilege to be Commanding Officer of the Institute of Aviation Medicine, leading a team of dedicated and high-performing individuals to deliver outcomes with such strategic importance.” 

Seventy years after its establishment, IAM remains a critical enabler of air power. While aircraft will continue to evolve, the decisive advantage will always remain the humans operating them.