ABSTRACT

This chapter provides a brief historical overview of the development of the field of maintenance human factors (MHF) in aviation. It also provides an in-depth discussion of HF and the human performance models used by the industry in its MHF journey. The chapter discusses the types of MHF programs/processes that are available for all segments of the aviation industry, including maintenance, repair, and overhaul organizations. It describes the various HF models that have been used in the industry, including the following: skill–rule–knowledge-based performance model, dirty dozen, swiss cheese model, and human factors analysis and classification system. The chapter also describes HF programs/processes that are being used in maintenance, including the following: maintenance resource management, maintenance error decision aid event investigation process, internal hazard reporting process, and fatigue risk-management system. It summarizes MHF research findings regarding the following: documentation, failure to follow procedures, and visual inspections.