5.3 Team-Based Human Factors Challenges

 

            Human Factors is defined as a "multidisciplinary effort to generate and compile information about human capabilities and limitations and apply that information to equipment, systems, facilities, procedures, jobs, environments, training, staffing, and personnel management for safe, comfortable, and effective human performance" according to Federal Aviation Administration Human Factors Policy (Human Factors Policy, 1993).

            

With that in mind, when applied to operations in an aviation environment, human factors are used to improve overall safety and performance by maximizing the fit between systems and people, as well as how they work together. Fatigue, stress, a lack of communication, and complacency are just a few examples of human factors.  According to statistics in aviation, approximately 80 percent of airplane accidents are due to human error (pilots, air traffic controllers, mechanics, etc.) (MEDA Investigation Process, n.d.). The failure to address these issues can result in worker injuries, severely damaged equipment, and even fatal accidents if they are not addressed.

With over 11 years of experience as an aviation mechanic in the military, I believe I can contribute a unique perspective to this discussion. I've spent my entire career in the aviation industry as an engine mechanic, from P-3 Orion to F-18. I spent 11 years in and around virtually every aspect of maintenance, from flight line maintenance to phase or heavy maintenance. I've repaired a plane and flown in it, and the experience was quite pleasant. When we deploy, one of the most important factors to consider is fatigue as a result of working 12 hours a day, seven days a week for the most part. Additionally, morale, stress, a lack of communication, and complacency are all factors. It's becoming a daily occurrence to be on the lookout for, even more so when you're under pressure from maintenance control due to missed sorties, too many down jets, and other issues. In my opinion, there are a variety of factors that must be considered in order to achieve success in an organizational setting. These considerations include aspects such as cooperation, communication, mutual respect, and so on. A successful organizational environment promotes healthy and effective leadership, open lines of communication, and shared goals that are aligned with profitability and safety objectives, among other things.

 

Reference

 

Human factors policy. (1993, October 27). Federal Aviation Administration. Retrieved from https://www.faa.gov/documentLibrary/media/Order/9550.8.pdf

MEDA Investigation process. (n.d.). Boeing. Retrieved from https://www.boeing.com/commercial/aeromagazine/articles/qtr_2_07/article_03_2.html