Human Factors in Aviation

Before I start this blog, I would like to share some quotes I found from Boeing:

"The term "human factors" has grown increasingly popular as the commercial aviation industry has realized that human error, rather than mechanical failure, underlies most aviation accidents and incidents" and "Despite rapid gains in technology, humans are ultimately responsible for ensuring the success and safety of the aviation industry" (Boeing, n.d.)  

Specifically in the maintenance world of the aviation industry or even in-flight operations, there can be both lack of communication and lack of knowledge resulting in human error which can in return lead to an accident. Other human factors are fatigue, lack of awareness, lack of communication, distractions, etc. (FAA, 2012). Human factors affect how well somebody does their job, and it is important because "80 percent of maintenance errors involve human factors which if not detected can cause events, worker injuries, wasted time, and aviation accidents" (PHAK 2016). However, human factors awareness can lead to improved quality, an environment that ensures continuing worker and aircraft safety, and a more involved and responsible workforce" (PHAK 2016). 

I think that lack of knowledge is a big one that the industry is seeing right now, especially with younger people like myself entering the workforce. I feel like you never stop learning new things in aviation, you can't possibly know it all. My mom has been in the industry for 36 years and still learns new things all the time. However, there are some people who think they know it all and are overconfident, which leads to mistakes or accidents. My mother has seen this a lot with especially younger people she has worked with, but they have only been in the field or on the maintenance/FAA side of things (records clerk or auditor position) for a few years. Then when these types of people would come across an issue, they wouldn't reach out for help and admit they don't know, but instead, use their best guess. This led to a problem/mistake and those effects were felt on others too. But a combination of these human factors, or complacency and lack of knowledge, is a problem because others' safety is at risk... and that it is the number one priority of the industry.  If I have learned anything from seeing what my mom has done all these years to be successful and good at what she does, it is that communication and teamwork are key. You must learn from your mistakes and ask when you don't know. This goes for any job in the aviation industry. Actually, accomplishing any job successfully requires these things and each team member should have realistic individual expectations. 

References:

Boeing Aeromagazine. (n.d.). Human Factors. Retrieved from http://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/aero_08/human_textonly.html

Federal Aviation Administration. (2016). Pilot's Handbook of Aeronautical Knowledge (PHAK). Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/phak

 

Federal Aviation Administration. (2012). Avoid The Dirty Dozen. Retrieved from https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/library/documents/2012/Nov/71574/DirtyDozenWeb3.pdf

Image: Mototok. (2019). What To Do About The Aviation Maintenance Technician Shortage. Retrieved from https://www.mototok.com/blog/aviation-maintenance-technician-shortage