Human Factors Flashcards
Human factors are the leading cause of aviation maintenance errors. Studies consistently show that the majority of maintenance-related incidents trace back to human performance issues — fatigue, stress, complacency, poor communication, and lack of resources — rather than lack of technical knowledge.
The FAA General exam includes questions on the "Dirty Dozen" — twelve common human factors that lead to maintenance errors. Understanding these factors and the countermeasures for each is essential for safe maintenance practices and for passing the exam.
What You Need to Know
- The Dirty Dozen: lack of communication, complacency, lack of knowledge, distraction, lack of teamwork, fatigue, lack of resources, pressure, lack of assertiveness, stress, lack of awareness, norms
- Fatigue: reduces alertness, impairs judgment, slows reaction time
- Complacency: over-familiarity leading to missed steps or inspections
- Distraction: causes steps to be skipped in multi-step procedures
- Stress: reduces concentration and increases error likelihood
- Countermeasures: checklists, double-inspections, proper rest, team communication
- Medication and substance use: can impair performance and are regulated
- CRM (Crew Resource Management): applies to maintenance as well as flight operations
Why This Topic Appears on FAA Exams
The FAA added human factors to the A&P curriculum because maintenance errors cause a significant percentage of aviation accidents. Understanding why errors happen and how to prevent them is as important as technical skill. The exam tests your knowledge of the Dirty Dozen and appropriate countermeasures.
Sample Flashcards
Tap any card to reveal the answer. These are just a sample — the full deck is available inside the study platform.
What is the "Dirty Dozen" in aviation maintenance?
What is the primary countermeasure for distraction?
How does fatigue affect maintenance performance?
What is complacency and why is it dangerous?
Study Tips
Memorize all twelve Dirty Dozen factors and at least one countermeasure for each. The exam often presents a scenario and asks which human factor is involved. Common pairings: fatigue → get rest; distraction → use checklist/double-check work; pressure → communicate concerns; complacency → follow procedures even when familiar.
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Frequently Asked Questions
The twelve factors are: lack of communication, complacency, lack of knowledge, distraction, lack of teamwork, fatigue, lack of resources, pressure, lack of assertiveness, stress, lack of awareness, and norms. Each has specific countermeasures that maintenance personnel should apply.
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