William (Bill) Johnson, Ph.D.

Chief Scientific and Technical Advisor

Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance Systems

Bill-dr.johnson@faa.gov

Federal AviationAdministrationPart 23 Certification

Process Study: Maintenance Human

Factors Considerations

Federal AviationAdministration

Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

2Federal AviationAdministration

Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Overview

• AVS Chief Scientist Program

• Maintenance HF Sample Activities

• Upcoming Activities

• Challenges/Myths

3Federal AviationAdministration

Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Maintenance CSTA Organizational Roll

• 1 of 21 Executive Scientists reporting to AVS-1

• Report through Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification.

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Disciplines for CSTAs

Advanced Composite Materials Advanced Control Systems

Aeronautical Communications Aircraft Computer Software

Aircraft Safety Analysis Avionics/Electrical Systems

Crash Dynamics Metallurgy

Wake Turbulence Flight Deck Human Factors

Flight Management Flight Simulation Systems

Nondestructive Evaluation Propulsion Control Systems

Fuel System DesignEngine System Dynamics and Safety

Fatigue and Damage Tolerance Flight Loads/Aeroelasticity

Electromagnetic Interference and Lightning

Flight Environmental Icing

Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance Systems

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

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February 6-7, 2008

Maintenance CSTA Organizational Roll

• 1 of 21 Executive Scientists reporting to AVS-1

• Also report through Flight Standards and Aircraft Certification.

• Duties include:– Define, sell, conduct/participate in R&D

– Participate in applied FAA/industry activities

– Guidance material

– Rulemaking participation

• Extensive writing and public speaking

6Federal AviationAdministration

Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Overview

• AVS Chief Scientist Program

• Maintenance HF Sample Activities

• Upcoming Activities

• Perceived immediate challenges

• 20 year challenges

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Sample Recent Activities

• Mx HF Presentation System

• Two Operator’s Manuals for HF

• Annual FAA-ATA HF Symposium

• ASI Survey

• Inspector Training (3 days)

• IA Seminars

Maintenance Human Factors Presentation System

Federal AviationAdministration

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

www.hfskyway.com

2 Reference Manuals

10Federal AviationAdministration

Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Annual FAA-ATA HF Symposium

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

ASI Survey Objectives

Determine ASI information on:• General HF Knowledge Level

• HF Observations from the field

• Attitude about the value of HF programs

• Need for regulations

• What FAA should do for ASIs regarding HF

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Who Responded?

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ASI Ranking of Operator ChallengesISSUE Average (5 Pts.)

Pressure 3.09Complacency 2.89Norms 2.84Lack of resources 2.74Failure to follow established procedures 2.73Distraction 2.60Lack of awareness 2.59Lack of communication 2.58Lack of assertiveness 2.53Stress 2.50Fatigue 2.41Lack of knowledge 2.34Lack of teamwork 2.32.

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Do we need HF Regulation?

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Overview

• AVS Chief Scientist Program

• Maintenance HF Sample Activities

• Upcoming Activities

• Challenges/Myths

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Upcoming Activity

Rulemaking for Approved Training (121 and 135 for start)

Multi-disciplinary approach to maintenance fatigue

Audit of normal operations

Impact of new technologies on maintenance training

17Federal AviationAdministration

Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Overview

• AVS Chief Scientist Program

• Maintenance HF Sample Activities

• Upcoming Activities

• Challenges/Myths

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Challenges/Myths (1 of 2)

• Employee training/certification

• Ab initio

• Continuation

• Is today’s workforce ready?

• Is our aviation maintenance workforce the world’s best

• Selection process for maintenance personnel

• Maintainability of new technologies?

• Design of technical documentation “systems”

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

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February 6-7, 2008

Challenges/Myths (2 of 2)

• Repeated studies show:

• Installation errors

• Failure to documentation

• Should smart A/C require less skilled maintenance personnel?

• Compare to automotive industry

• Small GA shops don’t need SMS, error reporting, etc.

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Part 23 CPS – Maintenance Human Factors

Kansas City, KS

February 6-7, 2008

Summary

• AVS Chief Scientist Program

• Maintenance HF Sample Activities

• Upcoming Activities

• Challenges/Myths

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February 6-7, 2008

Questions?