Are operators and pilots in control of complex systems?

The main theme of the paper is the opportunities that are available for the operator/pilot to be in control of a complex system. Results of empirical studies indicate that the development of competence in operators is neglect ed in many cases, creating difficulties for operators who are required to s olve problems in disturbances and in emergency situations. Further, the par ticipation of the end-users in the design of a new system is rarely conside red, be it an industrial system or an aviation system. Examples from highly automated systems in industry will be given, as well as an analysis of an aircraft accident. (C) 1999 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.