Eagle Grad Builds Career Exploring the Human Side of Aviation

Joe Jaworski ('10, '13) never imagined that his fascination with airplanes would lead him to a groundbreaking role at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). As a flight test engineering psychologist, Jaworski is at the forefront of ensuring aviation safety through meticulous human factors analysis.

Growing up in Buffalo, New York, Jaworski’s love for planes was nurtured during late-night airport visits with his father. “My Dad worked the night shift, so time with him was precious. We would watch planes take off because that’s what I was interested in,” he recalls.

In high school, a project on future career goals steered him toward Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, famously dubbed “The Harvard of the Sky” by Time magazine.

“I absolutely fell in love with it,” he remembers after his visit to the Daytona Beach Campus. 

An Education That Accommodates Shifting Landscapes

Jaworski initially pursued a B.S. in Air Traffic Management. He graduated in 2010 but a federal hiring freeze led him to the Master of Business Administration in Aviation Management in 2013. During his studies, he discovered a passion for human factors—a field focused on optimizing the interaction between people and systems.

“My advisor noticed my interest in working memory and air traffic controllers and redirected me to human factors. It was the perfect fit,” says Jaworski.

Today, as one of only six flight test engineering psychologists at the FAA, Jaworski’s work is crucial to aircraft certification. His role emerged in response to the Boeing 737 MAX accidents, highlighting the need for early integration of human factors in aircraft design. 

“I evaluate everything a pilot would use, look at, feel, or touch to do their job,” explains Jaworski. His assessments span from the conceptual phase to in-flight tests, ensuring ergonomic and cognitive considerations are paramount.

Research for the Next Generation of Pilots

Jaworski’s research also reconnects him with Embry-Riddle, collaborating with Dr. Barbara Holder’s team on the FAA’s NextGen initiative.

This program aims to modernize air traffic control systems, integrating cutting-edge technologies to enhance safety and efficiency.

“Safety is the critical driver, but ergonomic factors are equally important,” he notes. From cockpit design to the strength needed to operate controls, every detail is scrutinized to accommodate pilots of all sizes and capabilities.

As aviation technology advances, Jaworski faces new challenges in balancing automation with human cognition. “It’s great some planes can basically fly themselves, but if something goes wrong, can a pilot react quickly enough?” he questions.

On test days, Jaworski dons his flight suit, immersing himself in rigorous flight briefs and in-flight evaluations. “In a Part 23 small airplane, I am right up there on the flight deck. In a Part 25 aircraft, I am in the back, monitoring,” he describes.

Helping Forge a Better Future for Aviation

Looking ahead, Jaworski is excited about the future of aviation, including eVTOL aircraft and uncrewed aerial systems. “We are working on regulations for future certification. It’s a new set of challenges when you consider these semi-autonomous or single-pilot vehicles flying over urban areas.”

Despite technological advancements, the commitment to safety remains unwavering.

“The 737 MAX incidents brought to light the importance of human factors,” he said. “Getting involved from the beginning means we don’t have to lose lives to make aviation safer. Working together, we can do the right things from the start.”