Human Factors Training Resources for Aviation Maintenance

On May 24, 2022, the FAA published an interim final rule that establishes new regulations for part 147. The new regulations can be found here: https://www.govinfo.gov/content/pkg/FR-2022-05-24/pdf/2022-10367.pdf

The final rule also includes some changes to part 65 regulations regarding certification of mechanics.

Specifically, on August 1, 2023, the FAA will begin testing mechanic applicants using the following standards:

• FAA-S-ACS-1, Aviation Mechanic General, Airframe, and Powerplant Airman Certification Standards, dated November 1, 2021 (Mechanic ACS). The Mechanic ACS can be found here:https://www.faa.gov/training_testing/testing/acs/

One of the new subject areas in the Mechanic ACS is Human Factors.  The Human Factors subject area is not currently included in the Mechanic Practical Test Standards or in 14 CFR part 147 appendices B, C, or D.

• Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) must begin including human factors content that aligns with the Mechanic ACS, into their Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) curriculum by September 21, 2022 (the effective date of the part 147 interim final rule).

• All mechanic applicants may be tested on the Human Factors subject area beginning on August 1, 2023.

Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools (AMTS) and individuals preparing for mechanic certification should have the knowledge and skills outlined in the mechanic ACS prior to taking any written, oral, or practical test administered by the FAA and its designees (to include knowledge testing centers and Designated Mechanic Examiners (DME’s)). The following resources can provide a variety of information regarding human factors in aviation maintenance.

FAA Resources:

• FAA Handbook, FAA-H-8083-30A, Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/regulations_policies/handbooks_manuals/aviation/amt_general_handbook.pdf

Note: Chapter 14 may not align with the expected knowledge, risk, and skill elements required by the Mechanic ACS until the next revision of this Handbook.   The FAA is working to revise the handbook as soon as possible.

• FAASafety.gov, Library, Human Factors Category

https://www.faasafety.gov/gslac/ALC/lib_categoryview.aspx?categoryId=4

Additional Human Factors resources that are available free of charge:

• Australian ATSB An Overview of Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance

https://www.atsb.gov.au/media/27818/hf_ar-2008-055.pdf

• Australian CASA Aviation Human Factors Resources

https://www.casa.gov.au/operations-safety-and-travel/safety-advice/human-factors

• Operators Manual: Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/about/initiatives/maintenance_hf/library/hf_ops_manual_2014.pdf

• Fatigue Risk Management Publications and Articles

https://www.faa.gov/about/initiatives/maintenance_hf/fatigue/faq

• Human Factors Guide for Aviation Maintenance and Inspection

https://www.faa.gov/sites/faa.gov/files/about/initiatives/maintenance_hf/training_tools/HF_Guide.pdf

• A Roadmap to A Just Culture: Enhancing the Safety Environment

https://flightsafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/just_culture.pdf

• Operator’s Flight Safety Handbook

https://flightsafety.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/09/OFSH_english.pdf

• ICAO Safety Management Manual (SMM) Doc 9859 AN/460

https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B2u8czVndcm6ZWIzOGUxNzUtMGYwYS00MzUwLTg0YzYtZjFiZGNmMjE1MGY2/view?resourcekey=0-xnzat5tA2CqTgSKPBgA1gA

• Bending the Rules: Managing Violation in the Workplace

By Patrick T.W. Hudson, Leiden University and D. Parker, R. Lawton Manchester University

https://www.naris.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/10/Bending-the-rules.pdf

• Sidney Dekker

https://sidneydekker.com/papers/

• Restorative Just Culture Checklist

https://sidneydekker.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/04/RestorativeJustCultureChecklist.pdf

• Punishing People or Learning from Failure The choice is ours

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/252954325_Punishing_People_or_Learning_from_Failure_The_choice_is_ours

There are also numerous books available for purchase relating to human factors, most of which show up on a simple “human factors books” internet search.

For more information regarding the part 147 interim final rule, contact FAA Office of Safety Standards, Aircraft Maintenance Division at 202-267-1675, or 9-AWA-AFS-300-Correspondence@faa.gov.

To provide feedback or comments on the Mechanic ACS or the FAA Mechanic General, Airframe and Powerplant Handbooks, contact the Regulatory Support Division, Airman Testing Section, at afs630comments@faa.gov.