Team-Based Human Factors Challenges

Human Error

 There are several challenges the aviation industry faces on a day to day basis. Additionally, having to work with several people to form a team can be very challenging. Whether it’s dealing with stress or servicing an aircraft, there’s a list of human errors that come with the job description. However, the industry understands humans have many flaws, that’s why risks management procedures and regulations are set in place. Furthermore, according to the FAA’s Aviation Handbook, “It is universally agreed that 80 percent of maintenance errors involve human factors. If they are not detected, they can cause events, worker injuries, wasted time, and even accidents” (2018).

The military and other industries face a challenge working together as a team. When dealing with multiple people and trying to work together as a team it can be a very difficult task. Also, taking into consideration the different personality types as well. Furthermore, when working with a team there is always going to be a leader of the group and the rest of them are the followers. At the end of the day, the military is forced to work together as a team and if someone is unable to blend, it creates conflict for the rest of the team. From the words of Andrew Eifler, “A team is only as strong as its weakest link” (2013). The same rules apply in the aviation industry. However, there is always going to be someone that makes an error and causes the whole team to fail. That is why several challenges are associated with team based activities.

Aircraft servicing is a very tedious task, the overall process takes several people working together as a team to complete the service. Look at it like a puzzle, if a piece of the puzzle is out of place then the puzzle is not complete. Just like technicians, if a member of the team messes something up and refuses to comply with FAA regulations and adhere to the maintenance process it may cause risks, which then takes longer to complete the puzzle. Additionally, that is why the industry has several systems to make sure everything is running correctly and the pieces are getting put back together in the correct places.

In conclusion, the industry deals with several factors. Human error will always be the biggest risk in any working environment. Additionally, having the understanding when more than one person is completing a task that someone is always going to make a mistake. Whether it’s something simple or not, everyone needs to comply with the regulations set in place to help mitigate the overall human error factor in the aviation industry. Lastly, always be a team player and comply with safety regulations. Also, be aware of your surrounds at all times. So be smart and take everything into consideration when working in the aviation industry.

References

United States, Department of Transportation, Federal Aviation Administration. (2018). Retrieved March 18, 2019, from https://www.faasafety.gov/files/gslac/courses/content/258/1097/AMT_Handbook_Addendum_Human_Factors.pdf

Andrew Eifler. (2013). A team is only as strong as its weakest player. Retrieved March 18, 2019, from http://www.andreweifler.com/a-team-is-only-as-strong-as-its-weakest-player/