Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance

Flashcards covering core concepts of human factors in aviation maintenance, including the PEAR model, the Dirty Dozen, the Magnificent Seven principles, common errors, pre/post-task checklists, the Error Chain, Hazardous Attitudes, and James Reason's Swiss Cheese Model.

Human Factors

Identifies human capabilities and limitations, then adapts human or system components accordingly; a multidisciplinary effort to ensure safe, comfortable, and effective human performance, especially noting that human error underlies most aviation accidents.

Unique Aspects of Aviation Maintenance

Involves difficult-to-detect, latent mistakes; takes place during evening/morning hours, in confined spaces, on high platforms, in extreme climates; physically strenuous but requires great attention to detail; proper preparation/records often take more time than the task itself.

PEAR Model

A simple framework for thinking about human factors in aviation: People, Environment, Actions, Resources. People are at its heart.

PEAR with SHELL Model

An expanded human factors model that includes: Software, Hardware, Environment, Liveware (Other), and Liveware (You).

The Dirty Dozen

Twelve human factors that can lead to errors in aviation maintenance.

Lack of Communication (Dirty Dozen)

A potential for misunderstanding or omission that can result in maintenance error; requires technicians to see their role in a greater system focused on safe aircraft operation.

Complacency (Dirty Dozen)

Develops over time with knowledge and experience, leading to self-satisfaction and false confidence; can cause overlooked steps, undocumented work, or signing off unperformed tasks during routine activities.

Lack of Knowledge (Dirty Dozen)

A challenge due to differing technology, updates to procedures, and aircraft variations; requires technicians to use the latest data and follow all steps.

Distraction (Dirty Dozen)

Anything that disrupts a procedure, potentially causing technicians to skip tasks or details; can be mental or physical.

Lack of Teamwork (Dirty Dozen)

Hindrance in sharing knowledge, coordinating functions, work turnover, and working with flight crews, potentially leading to miscommunication affecting airworthiness.

Fatigue (Dirty Dozen)

Mental, emotional, or physical exhaustion that reduces alertness, ability to focus, and impairs cognitive ability, decision-making, reaction time, coordination, speed, strength, and balance.

Lack of Resources (Dirty Dozen)

Interference with task completion due to insufficient supply, support, or quality, including having incorrect tools or improper parts.

Pressure (Dirty Dozen)

Constant demand in aviation maintenance to perform tasks better and faster with no room for error, often driven by strict finances and flight schedules.

Lack of Assertiveness (Dirty Dozen)

Inability to positively and productively express feelings, opinions, beliefs, and needs, hindering feedback essential for assistance and job performance.

Stress (Dirty Dozen)

A factor caused by changing technology, dark/tight spaces, lack of resources, long hours, and the ultimate responsibility that incorrect work could lead to tragedy.

Lack of Awareness (Dirty Dozen)

Failure to recognize all consequences of an action or lack of foresight; requires treating each task as if it were the first time.

Norms (Dirty Dozen)

Unwritten rules, positive or negative, that are followed or tolerated by most organizations, often developed to solve ambiguous problems.

The Magnificent Seven

A set of principles promoting a professional approach to maintenance, focusing on safety, quality, and continuous improvement.

Error Chain

A sequence of contributing factors leading up to an aviation accident; if one link is broken, the accident can be averted.

Hazardous Attitudes

Five attitudes (Anti-Authority, Impulsive, Invulnerability, Macho, Resignation) that contribute to aviation accidents, indicating rising risk.

Anti-Authority (Hazardous Attitude)

The attitude of resisting rules or instructions: 'Don’t tell me what to do.'

Impulsive (Hazardous Attitude)

The attitude of acting without thinking: 'Do something quickly.'

Invulnerability (Hazardous Attitude)

The attitude of believing harm won't come to oneself: 'It won’t happen to me.'

Macho (Hazardous Attitude)

The attitude of overconfidence and risk-taking: 'I can do anything.'

Resignation (Hazardous Attitude)

The attitude of feeling powerless or hopeless: 'What’s the use?'

James Reason's Swiss Cheese Model

A model illustrating that accidents occur when multiple layers of defenses (like slices of Swiss cheese) all align, allowing hazards to pass through the 'holes' (failures or weaknesses) in the system.

Human Error

A human action with unintended consequences; falls into unintentional (slips, poor judgment) and intentional (violations) categories.

Unintentional Error

An error in action or judgment caused by poor reasoning, carelessness, or insufficient knowledge; considered a slip or opinion error.

Intentional Error (Violation)

A knowing or deliberate choice to do something wrong, such as deviating from safe practices, procedures, standards, or regulations.

Active Errors

Observable and obvious errors, typically at the sharp end of the system.

Latent Errors

Hidden errors within the system that can remain dormant for long periods and contribute to accidents when combined with active failures.