Reducing Human Errors in Aircraft Maintenance

Human Errors in aircraft maintenance are probably on the increase, but specific data is still sparse. Since the mid 1990’s, regulatory authorities and the operating industry have been taking this matter very seriously and much has been done to try and improve the situation with training and improving Safety Management procedures. This is against a background of increasing operating pressures, changing technology, shortage of certifying engineers and increased sub-contracting. Understanding the human error chain involves all disciplines in the aviation process, from design to ramp operations, including maintenance, repair and overhaul processes.

Analysis of incidents/accidents strongly points to simple, often procedural, errors rather than those concerned with technology and they are often common mode. The aim of this paper is to explain the background and developments in the attempt to reduce maintenance human errors.