Human Factor

Complex system means having a wide variety of inputs. There may be a single output, or many distributed outputs from the system. . The system typically performs complex modifications on these inputs, or the inputs may trigger complex responses. There may be a single output, or many distributed outputs from the system. All large modern aircraft can be described as complex systems.  Within these aircraft,  there are a myriad of separate systems, many of which themselves may be  considered complex, e.g. flying controls, landing gear, air conditioning, flight  management computers.  Maintaintenance of   complex systems ,  the engineer will need to have  carried out some form of system-specific training which would have furnished him  with an understanding of how it works (and how it can fail) and what it is made up of  (and how components can fail).  It is important that the engineer understands enough  about the o...

Visual inspection can be described as the process of using the eye,  alone or in conjunction  with various aids to examine and evaluate the condition of systems   or components of an  aircraft. Visual inspection is one of the primary methods to   ensure the aircraft remains in an airworthy condition.  AME  may use magnifiers and   borescopes to enhance their  visual capabilities.  AME may accompany his   visual inspection by examining  the element using his other senses  (touch, hearing, smell, etc.).  He may also    manipulate the element being inspected  to make further judgements about its  condition. For instance, he might feel a   surface      for unevenness, or push against it to  look for any unanticipated movement. Visual inspection is often the principal method used to identify degradation or  defect  in systems or components of ...

Repetitive tasks   - tasks that are   performed several times during a shift,  or a number of times during a short time period,  e.g. in the course of a week.  Repetitive tasks can be tedious and reduce arousal (i.e. be boring).  Most of the human  factors research associated with repetitive tasks has been carried out in  manufacturing environments where workers carry out the same action many times a  minute. This does not generally apply to maintenance engineering. Main danger with repetitive tasks is that engineers may become so practiced at  such tasks that they may cease to consult the maintenance manual, or to use job  cards. Thus, if something about a task is changed, the engineer may not be aware of  the change.  Complacency  - an engineer may skip steps or  fail to give due attention to steps in a procedure, especially if it is to check something  which is rarely found to be wrong, damag...

Physical Work   - Aircraft maintenance is a relatively active occupation.   Regardless of the  job being done, most tasks tend to have elements of fine motor control, requiring precision, as well as activities requiring strength and gross manipulation. Biomechanical perspective,  human body is a series of physical links  (bones) connected at certain points (joints) that allow various movements.  Muscles   provide the motive force for all movements , both fine and gross. The force that can be applied in any given posture is  dependent on the strength available from muscles and the mechanical advantage  provided by the relative positions of the load, muscle connections, and joints. Ease of maintainability -It is important that maintenance tasks on aircraft are within the physical limitations of aircraft maintenance engineers. Physical work over a period of time will  result in fatigue. This is normally not a problem if there is...

                Task -  a piece of work to be done .  Task implies work imposed by a person in authority or an employer or by circumstance. charged with a variety of tasks duty implies an obligation to perform or responsibility for performance.    Planning  -    is the function of management  that involves setting objectives and determining a course of action for achieving those objectives.   Planning  requires that  managers  be aware of environmental conditions facing their organization and forecast future conditions.   Planning  is the  process  of thinking about the activities required to achieve a desired goal. It is the first and foremost activity to achieve desired results. It involves the creation and maintenance of a  plan , such as psychological aspects that require conceptual skills.         Before commencing a task, an enginee...

Humans can work within quite a wide range of temperatures and climatic conditions ,  Temperature  is a property of the universe whereas  climate  is primarily a feature of the atmosphere of a planet or a region on a planet's surface.  Temperature  causes  climate  whereas  climate  is the result of  temperature . Climate   is the average weather in a given area over a longer period of time Performance is adversely affected at extremes Tempperatures and climatic condition. Too cold and/or wet or too hot and/or humid , performance diminishes.  AME routinely work both within the hangar and outside.  Exposure to the widest  range of temperature and climate is likely to be encountered outdoors.  Engineer may have to work in direct summer sun, strong winds, heavy rain, high  humidity, or in the depths of winter.  Although hangars must exclude inclement  weather, they can be cold and draughty,...

             AME is work in a variety of different   environments, from ‘line’ to ‘base’, in all types of weather and climatic conditions, day and night. AME encounters the impact of noise , fumes , illumination , climate and temperature , motion and vibration , as well as the  requirement  to work in confined spaces and issues associated with the general working environment. CAR 145.A.25 (c) The working environment including aircraft hangars, component workshops and office accommodation is appropriate for the task carried out and in particular special requirements observed. Unless otherwise dictated by the particular task environment, the working environment must be such that the effectiveness of personnel is not impaired: 1. Temperatures must be maintained such that personnel can carry out required tasks without undue discomfort. 2. Dust and any other airborne contamination are kept to a minimum and not be permitted to r...