Aviation Human Factors Considers Communication – Keeping Up-to-Date, Currency

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Introduction

Aircraft certifications are made within the framework of an organisation approval, part of which lays on the organisation the need to ensure currency – but it is not a one-sided story because the certifying staff also has a responsibility to remain current - means up to date with developments and changes to either the regulations or approved data which is driving the task.

Aircraft maintenance technicians typically undertake a significant basic training program which provides them with the knowledge and competence to enable them to become aircraft mechanics. 

With additional instruction for example to obtain Part 66 basic licence A, B1 & B2 they become more specialised and with type training and company authorisation are able to certify the release to service (CRS) of particular aircraft and systems. 

Delivering an Effective Safety Culture

Strong systems for the dissemination of information throughout an organization clearly forms an important part of its safety culture.

The role of the maintenance organization will typically be to manage the information flow as part of its overall competence oversight and management systems.

Competence is the Key Ingredient 

To maintain currency requires compliance with recurrent training – Fuel Tank Safety (FTS)/Electrical Wiring Interconnect System (EWIS) and EASA Part 145 Human Factors (HF) as well as updates related to organisation process & procedures.

This is just one part of the story however because the Certifying Staff & Technicians must also keep up to date with industry trends regarding New Aircraft Types, Technologies and Systems, New tooling processes and maintenance practices. Airworthiness Directive (AD) and Service Bulletin (SB) and other System/Aircraft Modifications. 

Responsibility Related to Managing Currency

The responsibility for maintaining currency typically sits with both the individual certifying staff/technician and the maintenance organization for which they work.

Ultimately though it is of significant benefit of the maintenance professional to make it their business to keep up-to-date with as many of the changes in their profession as possible. (Notwithstanding the potential financial cost – easier when supported by the organisation.) 

In respect of the organisation, it should be understood that providing competence building & vocational training to the maintenance staff will increase the level of engagement of the employees and becomes a win/win for the organisation.

SAS & SOL offer training in Human Factors, Safety Management Systems Implementation & Management, Maintenance Error Management, and Training for Trainers in a Human Factors and Maintenance Environment. For details please see www.sassofia.com & www.sofemaonline.com or email office@sassofia.com & online@sassofia.com