Human Factors
What is the primary purpose of applying human factors principles in an aviation maintenance environment?
Answer
To optimize how people interact with tools, systems, and the work environment in order to reduce maintenance error
Human factors is the study of how humans interact with machines, procedures, and their environment; its goal is to design work so that human performance is supported and error is reduced, improving safety and efficiency. Written procedures and checklists are a tool that supports human performance, not something human factors eliminates. Human factors focuses on preventing error systemically, not on shifting legal responsibility onto the individual mechanic.
Source: FAA-H-8083-30B, Chapter 14, Human Factors (introduction/definition).
Not the answer
- To transfer legal responsibility for maintenance errors from management onto the individual mechanic
- To eliminate the need for written maintenance procedures and checklists
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