GATE Aerospace introduces a Certified Human Factors Course in compliance with EASA 145
Contemporary Human Factors endeavours have been targeted towards flight deck and cabin crew performance with Crew Resource Management training being compulsory for crews for more than a decade. Additionally, although to a lesser extent, human factors training has also been applied in air traffic control. Most available literature shows less concern for the human factors issues which affect aircraft maintenance personnel who inspect, diagnose and repair aircraft. However, statistically, human error in aircraft maintenance has had a significant effect upon flight safety.
This issue is now being addressed with the introduction of the Human Factors module (module 9) for aircraft engineers who are undertaking their EASA 66 licensing examinations. JAR 145 regulations are being replaced by the European Aviation Safety Authority (EASA) part 145 regulations. EASA regulations state that all part 145 maintenance organisations are to have in place procedures for Human Factors training by the 28th of September 2006.
The implementation of a Human Factors programme for aircraft maintenance engineers is probably one of the few remaining areas where improvements in safety can be made.
