Human Factor Challenges

 Human factors is the understanding of how mental and psychological issues affect how a person does their job. It is the difference between a successful job and a complete disaster. Human factors goes in depth into how human error underlies most aviation accidents versus mechanical failure (AMT Handbook, 2008). Human factor research in Aviation Maintenance searches to identify and study the factors that affect how a technician performs in maintenance and inspection. While the focus of the study in mainly on the technician, it also extends to the engineering and technical organization. By incorporating the many disciplines that affect human factors, research is made easier and helps to understand what must be done to where people can work more efficiently and maintain work performance.

Team-based human factors is problematic, especially when focusing on communication. Communication is important between Aviation technicians. Lack of communication can lead to maintenance error and potentially lead to an aircraft accident. It becomes critical that accurate and complete information be exchanged to ensure that all work is completed without mistakes. Not only is communication important, but teamwork is just as important too. The sharing of knowledge between technicians, the coordination of maintenance functions, and working with flight personnel to test and troubleshoot aircraft are done safer and easier when in an atmosphere of teamwork. Multiple technicians contribute and are responsible of the assembly and maintenance done to an aircraft. If technicians are courteous of the teamwork and communication involved in Aviation maintenance, the result would be a complete and spontaneous job well done.

References: https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/courses/content/258/1097/AMT_Handbook_Addendum_Human_Factors.pdf