Office of the Chief Scientist for Human Factors

Human Factors Aviation Maintenance

Program Review

FY01

![](media/image1.png){width="2.4298611111111112in"
height="2.4430555555555555in"}

**Dr. William K. Krebs, Aviation Maintenance Human Factors Program
Manager**

**Federal Aviation Administration**

**AAR-100 (Room 907A)**

**800 Independence Avenue, S.W.**

**Washington, D.C. 20591**

**phone (202) 267-8758**

**e-mail: william.krebs@faa.gov**

[**http://www.hf.faa.gov/krebs**](http://www.hf.faa.gov/krebs)

The Federal Aviation Administration Office of the Chief Scientific and
Technical Advisor for Human Factors (AAR-100) directs an aviation
maintenance human factors program that focuses on identifying human
factors issues across all aspects of aircraft   maintenance and
inspection personnel. The Aviation Maintenance research   program has
maintained a focused research approach in four major   components --
skill development, organizational influences, human error,
and maintainer proficiency.

The following report lists projects between October 1^st^, 2000 and
December 31^st^, 2001 (Appendix I). These projects address requirements
identified by the Federal Aviation Administration Flight Standards
office (Appendix II). The intent of this report is to allow Federal
Aviation Administration sponsors to determine whether their requirements
have been satisfactorily addressed, allow investigators to receive
feedback from Federal Aviation Administration sponsors and other
interested parties, and to provide feedback to the AAR-100 aviation
maintenance program manager on the quality of the research program.
Basically, this document is a means of holding each group (sponsor,
investigator, AAR-100 program manager) accountable to ensure that the
program is successful.

In FY01, the aviation maintenance research program distributed
\$1,039,890 contract and grant dollars to multiple organizations. In
addition, one project received supplemental support from the Civil
Aerospace Medical Institute, Oklahoma City, OK. These FY01 projects are
described in Appendix I and the requirements that are mapped to these
projects are located in Appendix II.

Appendix III lists the FY02 funded projects (\~ \$1,000,000 contract
dollars) and the proposed FY03 and FY04 projects.

Address questions or comments to:

William K. Krebs, Ph.D.

## Appendix I

## 

## Human Factors Aviation Maintenance

FY01 Funded Projects

######### FY01 Aviation Maintenance

Funded Projects (\$1,039,890)

+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| **Task**         | **          | **An        | **Requirement \#      |
|                  | Performer** | ticipated** | and**                 |
|                  |             |             |                       |
|                  |             | **De        | **page \#**           |
|                  |             | liverable** |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Evaluation of    | Greenville  | Va          | [Req #177](#req177)   |
| the Integrated   | T           | lidation/Re |                       |
| AMT/AMT-T        | ech/Clemson | port/Guidan | Page #19              |
| Curriculum       |             | ce/Congress |                       |
| Alternative      |             | Mandate     |                       |
| Method of        |             |             |                       |
| Compliance       |             |             |                       |
| Implementation & |             |             |                       |
| Assessment       |             |             |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Human Error Risk | NASA/Navy   | Risk        | [Req #28](#req28)     |
| Analysis in      |             | Analysis    |                       |
| Maintenance and  |             |             | Page #11              |
| Flight-line      |             |             |                       |
| Operations       |             |             |                       |
| (HFACS-ME)       |             |             |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Impact of        | NASA/Santa  | Development | [Req #173](#req173)   |
| Professional,    | Clare       | of          |                       |
| Organizational & | Uni         | profil      | Page #15              |
| National Culture | versity/San | es/elements |                       |
| on Safety in     | Jose State  | of safety   |                       |
| Aviation Maint.  |             | culture     |                       |
| Environment      |             |             |                       |
| (Phase 2 & Phase |             |             |                       |
| 3)               |             |             |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Root Cause       | San Jose    |             | [Req #170](#req170)   |
| Analysis of Rule |             |             |                       |
| Violations by    |             |             | Page #13              |
| AMT\'s           |             |             |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Reducing FOD     | Galaxy      | Develop     | [Req #169](#req169)   |
| Through Improved |             | reco        |                       |
| Human            |             | mmendations | Page #12              |
| Performance:     |             | /corrective |                       |
| Best Practices   |             | actions     |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Application of   | Clemson     | Development | [Req #183](#req183)   |
| Human Factors    | University  | of          |                       |
| Interventions to |             | Prototype   | Page #21              |
| Improve          |             | Inspection  |                       |
| Inspection       |             | Aid         |                       |
| Performance      |             |             |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Evaluation of    | Galaxy      | Report and  | [Req #172](#req172)   |
| AMT Working      |             | regulatory  |                       |
| Environments,    |             | guidelines  | Page #14              |
| Fatigue, Human   |             | (Audit)     |                       |
| Performance and  |             |             |                       |
| Maintenance      |             |             |                       |
| Errors/Inc       |             |             |                       |
| idents/Accidents |             |             |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Development of   | AT&T/Purdue | Standar     | No requirement        |
| AMT              |             | ds/Guidance |                       |
| Ap               |             | Material    |                       |
| prenticeship/OJT |             |             |                       |
| Standards        |             |             |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| Info             | Galaxy      | Cumulative  |                       |
| Dissemination &  |             | phase       |                       |
| Technology       |             | reports,    |                       |
| Transfer         |             | position    |                       |
|                  |             | papers,     |                       |
|                  |             | e           |                       |
|                  |             | tc/web/cd-r |                       |
|                  |             | oms/support |                       |
|                  |             | for sponsor |                       |
|                  |             | r           |                       |
|                  |             | equirements |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+
| F                | Galaxy      | Continuing  |                       |
| AA/CAA/Transport |             | support of  |                       |
| Canada MX HF     |             | FAA/CA      |                       |
| Workshop         |             | A/Transport |                       |
|                  |             | Canada      |                       |
|                  |             | conferences |                       |
|                  |             | on          |                       |
|                  |             | Maintenance |                       |
|                  |             | Human       |                       |
|                  |             | Factors     |                       |
+------------------+-------------+-------------+-----------------------+

## Appendix II

## 

## Human Factors Aviation Maintenance

Research Requirements

Research requirements exist in the AAR-100 interactive management
database that allows program managers to track research requirements for
each Federal Aviation Administration sponsor.

######## FY Request Research Requirement Page \#

\< FY02 *Proactive Safety Assessment* [8](#req25)

\< FY02 *Measuring the Effectiveness of Error Investigation*

*and Human Factors* [9](#req26)

\< FY02 *Reducing Installation Errors in Heavy Maintenance* [10](#req27)

\< FY02 *Human Error Risk Analysis in Aviation*

*Maintenance and Flight-line Operations* [11](#req28)

\< FY02 *Reducing FOD through Improved Human*

*Performance: Best Practice* [12](#req169)

\< FY02 *Root Cause Analysis of Rule Violations by AMT's* [13](#req170)

\< FY02 *Evaluation of Aviation Maintenance Working*

*Environments, Fatigue and Maintenance*

*Errors/Accidents* [14](#req172)

\< FY02 *The Impact of Professional, Organizational, and*

> *National Cultures on the Safety Climate in the*
>
> *Aviation Maintenance Environment* [15](#req173)

\< FY02 *Development of the AMT Training Models* [16](#req174)

\< FY02 *Optimizing Maintenance Technician Training*

*and Certification* [17](#req175)

\< FY02 *Development of Standards for AMT Certification Training*

*Using Distance Learning* [18](#req176)

\< FY02 *Evaluation of the Integrated AMT/AMT-T Curriculum*

*Alternative Method Implementation and Assessment* [19](#req177)

\< FY02 *Evaluation of US Military AMT Training and Experience*

*Applicability to Training, Qualification, and Certification*

*Requirements* [20](#req182)

\< FY02 *Application of Human Factors Interventions to Improve*

*Inspector Performance* [21](#req183)

\< FY02 *Human Factors Best Practices in Engine Inspection*
[22](#req184)

\< FY02 *Development of Handbook of Human Factors in*

*Airframe and Engine Inspection Reliability* [23](#req185)

\< FY02 *General Aviation Maintenance Human Factors:*

*Taxonomy of Human Error At-Risk Conditions in*

*General Aviation Maintenance* [24](#req186)

FY02 "pop up" *Demonstration Project for AMT Training Delivered*

*Using Distance Learning Technology: FAR 147*

*Certification Model; Structured Experience*

*Certification Model; AMT Recurrent Training Model* [25](#req190)

FY02 "pop up" *Vision Testing Requirements for Certain Persons*

*Maintaining and Inspecting Aircraft and Aircraft*

*Components* [26](#req191)

FY02 "pop up" *Assessment of FAR PART 145.159 Repair*

*Stations - Training Requirements for maintenance*

*production and supervisory employees with Summary*

*Recommendations* [28](#req192)

FY02 "pop up" *Assessment of Requirements for and Availability of*

*Qualified Aviation Maintenance Technicians by 2005* [29](#req193)

\< FY02 *Increase Reliability of Wiring Inspection* [30](#req194)

\< FY02 *Development of Best Practices for Confined Space Work*
[32](#req195)

FY04 Task *Evaluation of Broadband Applications to Aircraft*

*Maintenance Safety* [36](#req216)

FY04 Task *Using Technology to Support Inspection Training: In the*

*General Aviation Industry* [37](#req217)

[]{#req25 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 25

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Proactive Safety Assessment

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Assess error generation to more
effectively assess the propensity for future errors within maintenance
organizations and allocate organizational resources in their prevention.
Current methods utilized within airline maintenance industry are
restricted to reactive measurement of error causation.

[Background]{.underline}: Develop methodologies similar to those used
effectively in the nuclear and chemical industries to assess
organizational factors and latent conditions which cause the majority of
errors within aviation maintenance

[Output]{.underline}: Development of generic audit system which indicate
organizational factors and latent conditions which predict potential
maintenance errors that could be implemented by various maintenance
organizations.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} AOA Performance Plan (2000) G-1.0.1.h
/FAA Strategic Plan (2000) Initiative 47: A ASAP AC 120-66/FAA National
Aging Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req26 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 26

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Measuring the Effectiveness of Error
Investigation and Human Factors

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Reduce errors in aviation
maintenance and test effectiveness of human factors interventions.
Measure how thoroughly airline maintenance personnel investigate errors
or incidents and measure the effectiveness of Human Factors
interventions using an error-investigation methodology.

[Background]{.underline}: Incident-based methodology to test
effectiveness of human factors interventions. Effectiveness is measured
by how thoroughly airline maintenance personnel investigate errors or
incidents. Baseline data will be collected on samples of professional
investigators (Quality Assurance investigators, human factors
professionals, aviation maintenance managers and foreman, and AMTs).
Measure how skilled these groups are and what bias they show.

[Output]{.underline}: Specific measures of how training programs and the
investigation tools provide usable knowledge to the investigators

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} AOA Performance Plan (2000) G-1.0.1.h,
FAA Strategic Plan (2000) Initiative 47: AASAP AC 120-66, NTSB interest
FAA National Aging Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req27 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 27

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Reducing Installation Errors in Heavy
Maintenance

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Use applied research to reduce a
selected category of error by 50%. Show that FAA research can offer cost
effective and quantifiable solution

[Background]{.underline}: Creation of specific actions and interventions
to be used by the aviation maintenance industry to reduce errors of
omission.

[Output]{.underline}: A listing of interventions to minimize human error
in installation during maintenance and inspection. A report showing the
percent of error reduction achieved.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} NTSB Recommendation 89-56/FAA National
Aging Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req28 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 28

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Human Error Risk Analysis in Aviation
Maintenance and Flight-line Operations

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: Yes

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Current systems to capture human
error in aviation maintenance have mixed reviews. Most focus on
proximate causes and immediate circumstances, while others use a task
analytic approach to examine distal events. However, these approaches do
not uncover all of the "latent conditions" such as teamwork or
inadequate supervision that effectively "set the stage" for "active
failures" to occur. Furthermore, they do not provide for human error
risk assessments based upon exposure, severity of outcome, number of
operations, etc.

[Background]{.underline}: A taxonomic framework suitable for use as a
training vehicle, investigator reference, database structure, etc. An
analysis of a range (major to minor) of Part 121 organizational mishaps
obtained from the commercial airlines, rework facilities, transient
lines, etc. A documented risk assessment process suitable for Part 121
organizations. A human factors risk assessment for problems identified
in the Part 121 analyses

[Output]{.underline}: This research will provide a multi-dimensional
framework to support the investigation, reporting, and analysis of
commercial aviation maintenance incidents. It will also generate a
process to identify human factors problems, determine present trends,
and estimate associated risks in commercial aviation.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} AOA Performance Plan (2000) G-1.0.1.h,
FAA Strategic Plan (2000) Initiative 47: ASAP AC 120-56, FAA National
Aging Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req169 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 169

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Reducing FOD through Improved Human
Performance: Best Practice

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: Yes

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} A recent initiative was undertaken
by industry to identify and rank potential catastrophic events
contributed by human error (9/99). The survey ranked Foreign Object
Damage (FOD) as the most potential cause that could lead to a
catastrophic event. FOD accounts for a significant amount of industry
costs. Boeing estimates yearly FOD costs to exceed \$4 billion. Though
some research has been performed that examined human factors precursors
to ground damage, relatively little effort has been dedicated to
organizational-level (organizational culture) precursors of FOD.

[Background]{.underline}: Address that gap by identifying potential
contributory root cause factors that lead to FOD.

[Output]{.underline}: Establish a baseline for further human factors
investigations related to FOD through root cause trending tailored to
cultural preconditions.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} ATA/ATA Maintenance HF
Subcommittee/Research Task Force data: Project not continued after 2001

[]{#req170 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 170

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Root Cause Analysis of Rule Violations
by AMT's

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: Yes

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} The FAA enforcement action data for
the first three quarters of 1999 shows that 79 certificate actions
resulted in approximately \$2.25M of fines due to maintenance
violations. Such certificate actions are usually initiated by a letter
of investigation (LOI) issued to the mechanic responsible for the
maintenance action that potentially impact the airworthiness of the
aircraft being maintained which could lead to an incident or accident.
From that point forward, substantial resources from the FAA and the
industry are spent in these investigations. The research focuses on the
causal factors for alleged rule violations by AMTs. Such analysis is
expected to identify individual and organizational factors that lead to
incidents or accidents in the future. This is a proactive approach to
identify root causes or latent systemic failures early enough so that
serious mishaps are avoided. By focusing on the rule violations, the
most significant root causes are addressed, making change implementation
more safety oriented and cost effective.

[Background]{.underline}: Detailed analysis of the individual and
organizational factors contributing toward rule violations by AMTs. The
mapping of root causes of these violations will provide the FAA and
airlines with specific target areas for improvement.

[Output]{.underline}: Identification of the most significant factors
that are responsible for rule violations. Develop appropriate guidelines
that will manage and mitigate these factors and reduce the instances of
rule violations.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} FAA AFS Enforcement (E.I.R.)/FAA National
Aging Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req172 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 172

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Evaluation of Aviation Maintenance
Working Environments, Fatigue and Maintenance Errors/Accidents

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: Yes

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Few regulations govern the working
environments of aviation maintenance personnel. Unlike the uniformity of
the cockpit environments, aviation maintenance workers perform their
tasks in a wide variety of environmental conditions. Some of these
conditions have been found to accelerate the onset of fatigue, decrease
job performance, and increases human error and the risk to aviation
safety. Profile AMT task environments and model data to predict
conditions that are related to aviation maintenance errors.

[Background]{.underline}: Develop methods and guidelines that can be
used to reduce fatigue producing factors in the aviation maintenance
environment that will reduce maintenance errors/accidents and increase
maintenance safety.

[Output]{.underline}: Fatigue profile model related to risk management
of aviation maintenance errors. This model will be written in a report
and lead to regulatory guidelines (Audit).

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} NTSB recommendation A-97-71/Petition for
rulemaking/GAO report/Intermodal/AOA Performance Plan G-101.f/AVR
Performance Plan (2000)/FAA National Aging Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req173 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 173

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} The Impact of Professional,
Organizational, and National Cultures on the Safety Climate in the
Aviation Maintenance Environment

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: Yes

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Significant research needs to be
accomplished on developing the concepts and measurements of
"professionalism" and mutual trust in a professional environment because
it is postulated to be the key in building safe virtual organizations.
Such measures must transcend the traditional boundaries of national and
organizational cultures not only because aviation is an international
business, but also because AMTs in the United States are multiethnic.

[Background]{.underline}: Currently, it is known that differences in
professional, organizational, and national cultures exist in aviation
maintenance. Their inter-relationships and the consequent effect on the
overall safety culture are not known. This research will provide a
further understanding of the concept of "safety culture" in aviation
maintenance and identify the positive and negative influences on that
culture.

[Output]{.underline}: Development of profiles of the safety culture at
the maintenance facilities of major U.S. airlines. These profiles will
constitute professional, organizational, and national attributes which
contribute to safety culture. The inter-relationships and effects of
changes in the constituent elements on the safety culture will be
explored.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} Safety/NTSB/MRM follow-on AVR Performance
Plan (2000) Iniative 34/FAA National Aging Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req174 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 174

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Development of the AMT Training Models

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Training requirements for the AMT
were developed in 1968. Except for minor revisions in 1993, these
requirements have remained unchanged. Technological advance in aircraft,
power plants and their systems have vastly outpaced the training
requirements for entry-level AMTs. This gap has created problems for the
aviation industry in finding adequately trained technicians.

[Background]{.underline}: Specific student performance objectives (SPOs)
to correspond to curriculum topics

[Output]{.underline}: Develop curriculum models for the A&P schools and
AMT's for highly skilled workforce and develop performances level to
meet requirements to work on newer more advanced aircraft. This will
lead to the development of a distance learning standard (Eval &
Validate)

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} Regulatory FAR Part 147; AVR Performance
Plan(2000) Iniative 35, NTSB Recommendation A-89-56/FAA National Aging
Aircraft Progam Plan

[]{#req175 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 175

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Optimizing Maintenance Technician
Training and Certification

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Technician training and
certification has not kept pace with the requirements of the industry,
the FAA sponsored an ARAC project to revise the regulation, the process
continued for over 8 years and resulted in an NPRM that the industry
generally believed was too complex and not workable. CFR 14 PART 65
underwent regulatory revision that resulted in an NPRM issued November
1998.The NPRM received more than 2000 comments, mostly negative,
commenters primarily objected to the NPRM complexities, the amount of
regulatory requirements contained in advisory material a two tier
technician certification system, and the amount of training specified
for technicians. The FAA has three objectives in technician
certification, conduct a recurring census of technicians, increase the
training and certification requirements, and focus on air transportation
issues. The FAA requires a study to achieve those objectives without
introducing the significant complexities that developed in the original
NPRM.

[Background]{.underline}: The desired outcome would be a study that
would provide appropriate background to FAA to develop a realistic
regulation in accord with the majority of comments and achieve the FAA
certification goals.

[Output]{.underline}: Report detailing various options to respond to FAA
requirements as stated above and to respond to the public comments
received in response to the original NPRM. This report will form the
core of the FAA project to revise the regulation \[Part 65\] specifying
the requirements for technician certification.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} Regulatory FAR Part 65; AVR Performance
Plan(2000) Initiative 35, NTSB Recommendation A-89-56/FAA National Aging
Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req176 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 176

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Development of Standards for AMT
Certification Training Using Distance Learning

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} The efficiency and effectiveness of
the knowledge delivery is being lost. AMT training is limited by
regulation to the use of traditional delivery methods. This has
contributed to the decline of persons entering the aviation maintenance
career. High school students cannot obtain aviation training until
graduation, unlike other careers such as automotive maintenance, which
provides introductory training to high school students in a manner
consistent with high school scheduling requirements. The early
introduction into the automotive industry creates interest and motivates
students to seek automotive careers. Authorized distance learning may
also provide military personnel with the ability to complete AMT
training prior to discharge allowing for a faster, more efficient
transition in to civilian careers.

[Background]{.underline}: Models shall form the basis for curriculum
certification guidance to be utilized by AMT training providers and FAA
Airworthiness Inspectors

[Output]{.underline}: Development of standards for the delivery of AMT
certificate training using distance-learning technology. This will lead
to the development of distance learning standard (Eval & Validate)

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} Regulatory FAR Part 147; AVR Performance
Plan (2000) Initiative 35, NTSB Recommendation A-89-56/FAA National
Aging Aircraft Program Plan

[]{#req177 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 177

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Evaluation of the Integrated AMT/AMT-T
Curriculum Alternative Method Implementation and Assessment

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: Yes

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Legislation mandates research on
future training requirements on projected changes in regulatory
requirements for aircraft maintenance and power plant licenses

[Background]{.underline}: Develop, implement, and assess the integrated
curriculum using alternative training methodologies for AMT technology
skill transfer and application that demonstrates student
performance-outcome based on curriculum, such as team-building, human
factors, error control and analysis, computer and technical material,
multimedia based educational/learning modules for active learning to
test whether curriculum meets educational objectives and student
performance objectives

[Output]{.underline}: Development of model program that can be
replicated in other technical colleges

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} Congressional Mandate/Agreement between
ARA-2 and Sen. Hollings/; Project completion after 2001

[]{#req182 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 182

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Evaluation of US Military AMT Training
and Experience Applicability to Training, Qualification, and
Certification Requirements

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Determine applicability of military
training and experience based upon FAA requirements. Identification and
development of these requirements necessary to bridge the differences
for training military AMTs. The objective of this research is to develop
an articulation document which will allow recognition of military
aviation maintenance training and experience toward the award of FAA A&P
certification. Any discrepancies that may exist between the military
training and the FAR Parts 65 and 147 requirements will be identified

[Background]{.underline}: Develop standards that will provide the means
to establish a validation process by which the FAA can establish
certification credit for military training, qualifications and
experience

[Output]{.underline}: Guidance and curricula guidelines for military to
administer the appropriate AMT written oral and practical examination,
validation of qualified, competent personnel

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} Regulatory/FAA/DoD/DOL Interagency Task
Force (Pentagon Interest/AOA) /FAA National Aging Aircraft Program
Plan/Project completed

[]{#req183 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 183

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Application of Human Factors
Interventions to Improve Inspector Performance

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: Yes

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} There is no industry-wide standard
or benchmark for inspector training. Task analysis of aircraft
inspection and maintenance reveal that individual differences among
inspectors is one of the leading factors that have the greatest impact
on inspector performance

[Background]{.underline}: Evaluation and validation studies that focus
on the impact of inspector training programs in minimizing inspector
errors and standardizing the inspection training process

[Output]{.underline}: An industry-wide benchmark inspection aid for
inspector training

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} AVR Performance Plan (2000) NTSB
Recommendation A-97-76/Report to Congress/FAA National Aging Aircraft
Program Plan/ Project Completion after 2001

[]{#req184 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 184

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Human Factors Best Practices in Engine
Inspection

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} This research is necessary to
ensure that the inspection of engine components, particularly rotating
components, reaches the highest possible of level of reliability.
Incidents such as Sioux City DC-10 crash and the Pensacola MD-80 damage
have shown that engine component inspection is not perfectly reliable
and that the human element in the inspection system is primary cause of
concern.

[Background]{.underline}: Development of improved training schemes and
procedures for a variety of engine inspection tasks to reduce the
overall incidence of inspection error for critical components.

[Output]{.underline}: Report with detailed human factors analysis and
recommendations for improvement of inspection reliability of engine
components.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} AVR Performance Plan (2000) Initiative 1,
NTSB Recommendation98-1/ FAA National Aging Aircraft Program
Plan/supportive of AFS-300/ANE-105/AFS-600 Initiative

[]{#req185 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 185

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Development of Handbook of Human
Factors in Airframe and Engine Inspection Reliability

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} This research is necessary to
ensure that the aviation inspection reaches the highest possible of
level of reliability. Incidents such as Aloha B-737 failure, the Sioux
City DC-10 crash and the Pensacola MD-80 damage have shown that
inspection is not always reliable and that the human element in the
inspection system is a primary cause of concern. Inspection managers and
inspectors themselves are often unaware of the importance of human
factors, and thus do not design inspection facilities, training systems
or procedures to minimize the negative impact of human performance on
inspection reliability.

[Background]{.underline}: Development of handbook applying what is known
about human factors in inspection to improve engine and airframe
reliability.

[Output]{.underline}: Handbook of human factors in aviation inspection
to provide a single source for industry. Topics will include design of
training programs, design of inspection equipment, the inspection
environment, and the design of operating procedures using human factors
knowledge and data.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} AVR Performance Plan (2000) Initiative 1,
NTSB Recommendation98-1/FAA National Aging Aircraft Program
Plan/supportive of AFS-300/ANE-105/AFS-600 Initiative

[]{#req186 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 186

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} General Aviation Maintenance Human
Factors: Taxonomy of Human Error At-Risk Conditions in General Aviation
Maintenance

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: Yes (CAMI in-house)

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Error in General Aviation (GA)
maintenance can be the result of maintainer acts, working conditions,
maintainer conditions, supervisory conditions or even organizational
climate. Variations in work settings from single person shops to
relatively large maintenance facilities present unique challenges for GA
maintenance human factors research. A description of conditions
conducive to errors is needed to provide a systematic framework of
research.

[Background]{.underline}: A taxonomy to support accident / incident
investigation, and assessment of the individual, organizational and
training issues that influence the performance of GA maintenance
personnel.

[Output]{.underline}: Development of a model that can be used across GA
maintenance shops and flight lines to identify human factors concerning
at risk conditions associated with GA maintenance incidents.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} CAMI in-house resources

[]{#req190 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 190

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Demonstration Project for AMT Training
Delivered Using Distance Learning Technology: FAR 147 Certification
Model; Structured Experience Certification Model; AMT Recurrent Training
Model

**"Unfunded Requirement for FY02 & FY03 (pop up)"**

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} Over the past 4 years the Aviation
Maintenance Technician certification process, training requirements and
delivery methods have been researched to develop better methods and
processes. This research includes the development of new FAR 147
training requirements, a Structured Experience certification process,
and the study of new methods for the delivery of AMT training utilizing
distance education. A consistent outcome of this research is that it is
very difficult to move from the status quo. If AMT training is to
advance and utilize these new regulatory possibilities it will require a
proven demonstration model for training providers to emulate.
Additionally, using delivery methods that cross FAA regional and FSDO
boundaries will require a single, uniform, tested process for training
curriculum approval and the monitoring of student outcomes and
instructional quality. This research initiative will address these
issues and develop the pilot models that can serve as an example for
both training providers and the FAA.

[Background]{.underline}:

[Output]{.underline}: Data or documentation required to support
development of advisory circulars, rulemaking efforts, and changes or
improvements to operations, maintenance or training procedures. The
outcome of this project will be to provide the FAA and AMT training
providers with a proven model for the delivery of training programs
using distance learning technology for FAR 147 training, Structured
Experience Certification training and AMT/IA recurrent training. This
project will provide the data and documentation for advisory circulars,
rulemaking, and FAA Airworthiness Inspectors Handbook.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} AFS-300 FAR 147 Rulemaking, FAR 65 (AMT
experience requirement) Rulemaking, Enhanced AMT training and safety,
NTSB recommendation A-89-56, AVR Performance Plan, and FAA Safer Skies
Agenda.

[]{#req191 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 191

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Vision Testing Requirements for Certain
Persons Maintaining and Inspecting Aircraft and Aircraft Components

**"Unfunded Requirement, FY02-FY03"**

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: Yes

-   FY03: Yes

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} At a minimum, the goal of this
project is to determine the proper standards to be employed in the
visual acuity testing of persons inspecting aircraft and aircraft
components. This material will then be set forth in an Advisory Circular
or eventually be included as an amendment to the Federal Aviation
Regulations. This project would involve, as a minimum, the following:

1.  Establish the standard to be used for both near and far vision
    tests.

2.  Establish the standard to be used for testing color perception.

3.  Determine who will be required to meet these minimum standards for
    performance of their job function.

4.  Determine the time interval when vision tests will be administered.

5.  Establish written procedures to provide guidance to organizations
    that will need to setup programs for administering and documenting
    the visual acuity examinations.

6.  Determine if these standards should be included in an Advisory
    Circular or as an amendment to the Federal Aviation Regulations.

[Background]{.underline}: Part 67 of the Federal Aviation Regulations
provides requirements for visual acuity testing for aircraft pilots for
first, second and third class medical certificates. There currently is
no requirement to assure that persons performing maintenance or
inspection of aircraft meet a minimally acceptable vision requirement.
Various programs for the certification of persons performing
Nondestructive Testing require vision examinations prior to
certification. These requirements are neither uniform nor standard
throughout the industry. There currently is no requirement for a person
performing visual inspections to be tested for visual acuity or color
perception. There have been several aircraft accidents where large
cracks and/or corrosion were not detected during visual inspections. The
National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has cited the failure to
visually detect detectable cracks as the probable cause of these
accidents. Examples of these are as follows:

NTSB 98/01, Aircraft Accident Report, Uncontained engine failure, Delta
Airlines, Flight 1288, McDonnell Douglas MD-88, N927DA, Pensacola,
Florida, July 6, 1996. A crack with a total surface length of 1.36 inch
in the front compressor hub of a

Pratt & Whitney JT8-219 engine, was not detected during Visual and
Fluorescent penetrant inspections.

NTSB 09-06, United Airlines Flight 232, McDonnell Douglas DC10-10, Sioux
Gateway Airport, Sioux City, Iowa, July 19, 1989. A crack with a total
surface length of 0.498 inch in the stage 1 fan disk in the no. 2 CF6-6
engine was not detected during Visual and Fluorescent penetrant
inspections. The NTSB determined, based on a count of the fatigue
striations that at least two inspections had been accomplished after the
crack had reached a detectable length.

NTSB 89/03, Aloha Airlines, Flight 243, Boeing 737-200, N73711, near

Maui, Hawaii, April 28, 1988. The NTSB determined that the cause of this
accident was the failure of the Aloha Airlines maintenance program to
detect the presence of significant disbonding and fatigue damage which
ultimately led to the failure of a lap joint at stringer 10L. This
damage should have been detected visually and in fact, a passenger
boarding the aircraft visually saw cracks that were not detected by
Aloha mechanics.

[Output]{.underline}: The desired output is an acceptable standard by
which visual acuity testing will be performed and documented for those
persons inspecting aircraft and aircraft components.

The desired outcome is to initiate a research project to determine
visual acuity requirements for persons maintaining and inspecting
aircraft and aircraft components to maintain an acceptable level of
safety. Over fifty percent of all Advisory Directives issued, require
inspection, yet there is no standard to determine how well or if an
inspector can see.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} The National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB) has cited the failure to visually detect detectable cracks as the
probable cause of these accidents.

[]{#req192 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 192

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Assessment of FAR PART 145.159 Repair
Stations - Training Requirements for maintenance production and
supervisory employees with Summary Recommendations

**"Unfunded Requirement for FY02 & FY03 (pop up)"**

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} FAR PART 145 has been significantly
revised. One of the major revisions is in the Training Requirements
section. The NPRM for the 145 changes states: To provide time for repair
stations to develop their training programs, this final rule provides
that beginning 2 years after the effective date of the rule, each
applicant for a repair station certificate, must submit a training
program for approval by the FAA. It also states: A repair station
certificated before that date \[the effective date of the rule plus 2
years\] must submit its training program for approval on the last day of
the month in which its certificate was issued. Training requirements
have evolved to ensure continuing safety in the international Repair
Station maintenance work environment. This project shall provide the
research and review to characterize the current state of training at
Repair Stations and based upon evaluation and industry input, define a
direction for the evolution of the necessary training requirements to
ensure continuing safety. This information will be used by FAA to assist
them in developing training requirements, guidance materials, and
Aviation Safety Inspector Handbook information.

[Background]{.underline}: Sponsor Need Description: A final report on
the results of the evaluative research conducted on FAR PART 145
training requirements, that includes conclusions and recommendations on
which the FAA may base guidance and Aviation Safety Inspector Handbook
information.

[Output]{.underline}: The outcome will be an objective report based upon
research conducted with industry and FAA input. The desired outcome will
be guidance materials that will assist industry in building practical,
objective, training programs that meets both the needs of industry and
the safety requirements of the FAA. The FAA will have substantive
information on which to base guidance materials and ASI Handbook
information.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline}

[]{#req193 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 193

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Assessment of Requirements for and
Availability of Qualified Aviation Maintenance Technicians by 2005

**"Unfunded Requirement for FY02 & FY03 (pop up)"**

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} To conduct an assessment of
requirements for and availability of qualified aviation maintenance
technicians for the year 2005. The Project Report will provide detailed
information on findings, include conclusions based upon those findings,
and will contain recommendations for the aviation industry and the FAA.

[Background]{.underline}: The year 2001 has swung a very unusual
pendulum with respect to personnel requirements. At the outset of the
year the entire aviation maintenance community was forecasting a severe
shortage of AMTs (aviation maintenance technicians). A combination of
terrorist attacks, along with a pending economic downturn, has resulted
in significant reductions in the aviation maintenance workforce. In this
cyclic trend of maintenance personnel current conditions suggest that
there is no longer a shortage. The result is that more qualified
technicians will likely permanently leave aviation for other career
fields and that schools will also have lower enrollment, in fact
additional schools may completely eliminate AMT training. When the
industry inevitably returns to full strength, as in the past, the
shortage occurs. The supply of qualified AMTs must be developed to meet
the inevitable return and continued growth of the aviation
transportation system. This study will review the current status,
project personnel requirements and suggest means and methods to
providing a supply of AMTs to meet forecast demand. GAO report.

[Output]{.underline}: This study must position government, industry, and
schools to fully understand the requirements for maintenance personnel
and design training and certification programs accordingly.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline}

[]{#req194 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 194

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Increase Reliability of Wiring
Inspection

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} The proposed research directly
benefits the Aging Systems initiatives in the Federal Aviation
Administration (FAA) and Air Transport Association (ATA) aimed at
improving the safety of transport aircraft wiring systems. The end point
of all rule-making and technology is the inspector who must perform
wiring systems inspections with high reliability. Any techniques that
enhance the reliability and predictability of inspection performance
will increase public safety and ultimately help operators in more
efficient use of inspection resources. There is a nationally expressed
need to translate the rulemaking activity into effective inspection.
This proposal addresses issues of inspector training, factors affecting
reliability and help in implementation of research findings. The work
builds on a continuous program of involvement with human factors issues
in airframe and engine inspection dating back to the Aloha incident of
1998. The proposal covers four Research Objectives:

1.  Build on the experience of detailed analyses of a variety of
    inspection techniques to better characterize wiring inspection and
    its human factors implications for reliability.

2.  Examine experimentally the factors expected to enhance or degrade
    visual and NDI inspection of wiring systems. This will enable the
    design of job aids, training or modified inspection intervals
    depending on the specific factors concerning the defect condition
    and the environment in which that condition is embedded.

3.  Determine the extent to which correlated cues can be used to enhance
    visual inspection of wiring systems. The Intrusive Inspection report
    showed that while some defect conditions are not directly
    detectable, other manifestations correlated what those conditions
    may be. This determination will form the basis of model training
    programs and job aids to improve detection reliability.

4.  Provide practical best practices for enhancing wiring inspection to
    cover training, job aids, environment design and documentation
    design and test selected practices for both effectiveness and
    acceptability.

[Background]{.underline}: The National Transportation Safety Board
(NTSB), from its analysis of the TWA 800 accident (Safety
Recommendations, Sept. 2000), made a number of recommendations
concerning wiring safety, including

\"The need for improved training of maintenance personnel to ensure
adequate recognition and repair of potentially unsafe wiring
conditions.\"

In addition, the FAA and ATA have made extensive recommendations on
improved wiring inspection as parts of the Aging Transport Systems
Rulemaking Advisory Committee (ASTRAC) and the issuance of ATA
Specification 117 Wiring Maintenance Practices/Guidelines. Finally, the
Assistant Inspector General for Auditing (USDOT) in testimony on October
5, 2000 noted that

\"... it is uncertain when revised maintenance programs, new training
programs, and especially new technology can be implemented.\"

[Output]{.underline}: From this activity will come three specific sets
of outcomes as noted in 5 above. First, job aids, training or modified
inspection intervals will be specified depending on the specific factors
concerning the defect condition and the environment in which that
condition is embedded. Second, model training programs and job aids to
improve detection reliability will be developed. Finally, the project
will provide validated practical best practices for enhancing wiring
inspection to cover training, job aids, environment design and
documentation.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline} Initiative 8 under Performance Goal 1 of
FY 1999 AVR Performance Plan calls for the FAA to "establish
requirements for training aids in wiring installation practices for
certification engineers and designees"

[]{#req195 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 195

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Development of Best Practices for
Confined Space Work

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: No

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} In order for the FAA to provide the
public with continuing safe, reliable air transportation system it is
important to have a sound aircraft inspection and maintenance system.
The inspection/maintenance system is a complex one with many
interrelated human and machine components. Recognizing this, the FAA has
pursued human factors research. In the maintenance arena this research
has focused on the aircraft inspector and the aircraft maintenance
technician (AMT). Since it is difficult to eliminate errors altogether,
continuing emphasis must be placed on developing interventions to make
the inspection/maintenance system more reliable and/or more error
tolerant. Recent NTSB reports, accidents have indicated that confined
space work has the potential to cause increased damage to critical
components/inferior inspection work/poor maintenance repair (e.g.,
wiring damage), increased risk to human health, or all the above. If we
are to ensure that confined space work is performed effectively,
efficiently and reliably over time, it is critical that we identify
appropriate human-factors interventions that will improve confined space
work leading to reduced errors and improved safety. The specific
objectives of this research are three-fold:

-   analyze current human factors practices as they deal with working in
    confined spaces at aircraft maintenance facilities and identify
    human factors interventions to eliminate errors and identify safe
    work practices,

-   research best practices by outlining a model program for confined
    space work that would improve safety, quality of work and human well
    being by standardizing confined space work for use by the aircraft
    maintenance industry, and

-   identify /demonstrate /develop specific tools/interventions to
    support the confined space model program.

The research directly addresses issues that are critical to aviation
safety as outlined in the NTSB recommendations, are critical to the FAA,
and the general public. To ensure that the research is relevant and
addresses the needs of the aviation community, it will be pursued with
aviation partners that include airlines and aircraft maintenance
organizations.

[Background]{.underline}: Task analyses of aircraft maintenance activity
have shown it to be a complex system consisting of several interrelated
human and machine components. The linchpin of this system, however, is
the human. Recognizing this, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
has pursued human factors related research. In the maintenance arena the
research has focused on the mechanic and the aircraft inspector. This
maintenance includes scheduling the repair of known problems; replacing
items after a certain air time, number of cycles, or calendar time;
repairing defects discovered previously, for example from reports logged
by pilot and crew or from line inspection, or items deferred from
previous maintenance; and performing scheduled repairs. Task analysis of
maintenance activities has revealed aircraft inspection and maintenance
to be a complex activity requiring above average coordination,
communication and cooperation between various personnel to be effective
and efficient. This activity is further compounded because a significant
portion of the work done by inspectors and maintenance crew has to be
performed in limited or confined spaces (e.g., aircraft fuel tank
inspection and maintenance work). Previous research in confined space
work has shown that working in confined space has the potential of
causing: increased damage to critical components/inferior inspection
work/poor maintenance repair (e.g., wiring damage), increased risk to
human health (Vendetti and Allen, 2000; FAA Aviation News), or all the
above. A recent NTSB safety recommendation (A --00-105 through 108)
developed in light of the July 1996 TWA 800 Boeing 747-131, N39119 crash
referred to the issue of confined space work specifically stating the
"need for improved training of maintenance personnel to ensure adequate
recognition and repair of potentially unsafe wiring conditions." Thus it
is seen that if we are to ensure that confined space work activity is
performed safely, effectively and efficiently it is critical that we
identify strategies to improve confined space work and provide
maintenance personnel with appropriate tools/training in performing
confined space work. In response to this need this research will look at
confined space work to identify human factor interventions that focuses
on improving worker safety, and on improving maintenance and inspection
processes.

The rationale and need for this research can be summed up as follows:

-   In aircraft maintenance, confined space work constitutes an area
    with potential for a large number of maintenance errors and safety
    violations (see NTSB reports and recommendations)

-   Errors during confined space work have been documented. Confined
    space work results in increased stress on the human with potential
    for causing injury (to the human, equipment, critical aircraft
    components and all the above). Confined space work conducted as part
    of inspection, repair and maintenance procedures for fuel tanks pose
    numerous potential dangers, including fire, explosion, toxic
    chemical exposure, and oxygen deficiency or enrichment conditions.

-   Evidence consists of reports of safety violations, incorrect and or
    improper maintenance/inspection.

-   Many repair facilities have unclear procedures for confined space
    work. Even if general guidelines exist, they are not communicated
    and are not strictly adhered to.

[Output]{.underline}: The research will help identify strategies to
improve confined space work and provide maintenance personnel with
appropriate tools/training in performing confined space work. In
response to this need this research will look at confined space work to
identify human factor interventions that focuses on improving worker
safety, and on improving maintenance and inspection processes. The
research will provide the following deliverables for industry use:

1.  Model Confined Space Program: outline a detailed program for
    confined space work that can be implemented by the aircraft
    maintenance industry. This will serve as a model program for the
    aircraft maintenance industry, identifying best practices in
    conducting confined space work. Specifically the program will
    address the following issues as they relate to: definitions,
    permits, certification, duties and responsibilities, program
    management- accountability and responsibility, organizational
    support, training, information dissemination, procedures -- safety
    practices, implementation, entry/exit, equipment support,
    purchasing, and other relevant issues)

2.  Handbook of Confined Space Work for the Aircraft Maintenance
    Industry.

3.  Tools for Confined Space Work: Outline Training and Awareness
    programs and workshops for promoting best practices as they relate
    to confined space work in the aircraft maintenance environment.

4.  Research Dissemination: The results of this research will be
    disseminated to the aviation community via a number of avenues.
    These include, but are not restricted to, workshops (FAA sponsored),
    scholastic publications, presentations at professional conferences
    (e.g., SAE sponsored conference, Aviation Psychology Conference, and
    FAA sponsored conferences) and through publications on the internet.
    In particular, the results of the research will be regularly
    conveyed to the tem partners through regular debriefing meetings.
    Most importantly the results of this research will lead to
    improvements in inspection/maintenance operations and new training
    procedures.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline}

1.  Previous reports and accidents have revealed that adherence to
    procedures, awareness, training and organizational support for
    confined space work is often lacking. Often, there is no detailed
    program for performing work in confined spaces. Moreover, when one
    exists employees are not trained, procedures to work are not
    followed or there exists a lack of awareness. This has resulted in
    recent incidences and accidents that have been attributed to
    confined space work. In light of this situation it is critical that
    research be conducted which will address the issue of improving
    confined space work by identifying specific interventions.

2.  This research will directly support recent NTSB recommendations in
    light of the July 12, 1996 crash of TWA flight 800, Boeing 747-131,
    N93119 which specifically tasks the FAA and specifically the Aging
    Transport Systems Rulemaking Advisory Committee with identifying
    strategies to improve confined space work to reduce incidences of
    human error (potential wiring damages, damage to critical
    components) (see A-00-106, A-00-107) and improve safety by looking
    at training of maintenance personnel and by developing procedures.
    Moreover the research, also supports earlier NTSB recommendation
    A-97-70 (A-97-70 Include, in its development and approval of air
    carrier maintenance procedures and programs, explicit consideration
    of human factors issues, including training, procedures development,
    redundancy, supervision, and the work environment, to improve the
    performance of personnel and their adherence to procedures) which
    was issued as a result of NTSB's investigation of an accident on May
    11, 1996, involving a McDonnell Douglas DC﷓9﷓32, N904VJ, that
    crashed into the Everglades swamp shortly after takeoff from Miami
    International Airport, Miami, Florida. The airplane was operated by
    ValuJet Airlines, Inc., as ValuJet Flight 592.

3.  Congressional/Other Interests: This research has the potential to
    improve confined space work (improves worker safety, reduces errors
    leading to \-- more effective and efficient maintenance). All of
    which will have a positive impact on quality of maintenance and
    airline safety -- are of interest to Congress, FAA, NTSB, the
    airline industry and the general public.

[]{#req216 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 216

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Evaluation of Broadband Applications to
Aircraft Maintenance Safety

# "FY04 Task or Project Description"

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: Yes

-   FY03: Yes

-   FY04: Yes

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} The application of broadband
technologies has significant impact on maintenance practices and on the
positive potential to safety. Broadband applications run the gamut from
digital documentation to electronic signature. The emerging technologies
include, but are not limited to: training-on-demand, video-on demand,
wireless access to technical documentation and much more. This research
shall review the emerging technologies to the extent to which such
technologies are impacting safety. This research shall also determine
the extent to which human-centered design contributes to the successful
application of these broadband technologies.

[Background]{.underline}: Identification of emerging broadband
applications to maintenance. Identification of safety impact of
broadband technology. Assessment of positive and potential negative
impact of broadband applications for maintenance technicians. An
understanding of the integration between training and job-aiding as
broadband technology use in maintenance environments.

[Output]{.underline}: Overview of the state-of-the-art of broadband
applications to maintenance. Identification of safety impact broadband
applications for maintenance technicians. An understanding of the
integration between training and job-aiding as broadband technology
using maintenance environments.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline}

[]{#req217 .anchor}[Requirement ID:]{.underline} 217

[Sponsor Organization:]{.underline} AFS [POC]{.underline}: Les Vipond

[Requirement Title:]{.underline} Using Technology to Support Inspection
Training: In the General Aviation Industry

**"FY04 Task or Project Description"**

[Funded Requirement]{.underline}:

-   FY01: No

-   FY02: Yes

-   FY03: No

-   FY04: No

[Requirement Statement:]{.underline} to demonstrate how advanced
technology can be used for inspection training and reducing errors for
the general aviation industry.

[Background]{.underline}: Reduce inspection errors and improve GA
inspection performance, ultimately impacting safety and reliability of
GA aircraft inspection and GA maintenance operations.

-   Standardize the GA inspection training process providing an
    industry-wide benchmark for inspection training.

-   Alleviate problems inherent to OJT and can be combined with existing
    GA training programs to facilitate consistency in inspection
    training, provide adaptive training and support record keeping and
    performance monitoring.

[Output]{.underline}: This research will provide the general aviation
industry with a benchmark for inspector training. Evaluation and
validation studies will be delivered that focus on the impact of
inspector training programs in minimizing inspector errors and
standardizing the inspection training process.

[Regulatory Link:]{.underline}

Appendix III

Human Factors Aviation Maintenance

Fiscal Year Project Planning

FY02 Funded Projects

FY03 Proposed Projects

### FY04 Proposed Projects

######### FY02 Aviation Maintenance

Proposed Projects (\~ \$1,000,000)

  ---------------------- --------------- ------------------------------ ----------------
  **Task**               **Performer**   **Deliverable**                **Requirement
                                                                        \#**

  Vision Testing         NASA/CAMI       an acceptable standard by      [191](#req191)
  Requirements for                       which visual acuity testing    
  Certain Persons                        will be performed and          
  Maintaining and                        documented for those persons   
  Inspecting Aircraft                    inspecting aircraft and        
  and Aircraft                           aircraft components.           
  Components                                                            

  Evaluation of          TBD             Overview of the                [216](#req216)
  Broadband Applications                 state-of-the-art of broadband  
  to Maintenance Safety                  applications to maintenance.   
                                         Identification of safety       
                                         impact broadband applications  
                                         for maintenance technicians.   
                                         An understanding of the        
                                         integration between training   
                                         and job-aiding as broadband    
                                         technology using maintenance   
                                         environments.                  

  Using Technology to    TBD             This research will provide the [217](#req217)
  Support Inspection                     general aviation industry with 
  Training in Corporate,                 a benchmark for inspector      
  Regional, and GA                       training. Evaluation and       
                                         validation studies will be     
                                         delivered that focus on the    
                                         impact of inspector training   
                                         programs in minimizing         
                                         inspector errors and           
                                         standardizing the inspection   
                                         training process.              

  Determine whether      TBD                                            "Secretary of
  language barriers                                                     Transportation
  result in maintenance                                                 pop up"
  deficiencies                                                          

  Amateur built aircraft TBD                                            "pop up"
  ---------------------- --------------- ------------------------------ ----------------

######### FY03 Aviation Maintenance

*Proposed Projects*

  ---------------------- --------------- ------------------------------ -----------------
  **Task**               **Performer**   **Deliverable**                **Requirement**

  Vision Testing         NASA/CAMI       an acceptable standard by      [191](#req191)
  Requirements for                       which visual acuity testing    
  Certain Persons                        will be performed and          
  Maintaining and                        documented for those persons   
  Inspecting Aircraft                    inspecting aircraft and        
  and Aircraft                           aircraft components.           
  Components                                                            

  Evaluation of          TBD             Overview of the                [216](#req216)
  Broadband Applications                 state-of-the-art of broadband  
  to Maintenance Safety                  applications to maintenance.   
                                         Identification of safety       
                                         impact broadband applications  
                                         for maintenance technicians.   
                                         An understanding of the        
                                         integration between training   
                                         and job-aiding as broadband    
                                         technology using maintenance   
                                         environments.                  

  Using Technology to    TBD             This research will provide the [217](#req217)
  Support Inspection                     general aviation industry with 
  Training in Corporate,                 a benchmark for inspector      
  Regional, and GA                       training. Evaluation and       
                                         validation studies will be     
                                         delivered that focus on the    
                                         impact of inspector training   
                                         programs in minimizing         
                                         inspector errors and           
                                         standardizing the inspection   
                                         training process.              

  Determine whether      TBD                                            "Secretary of
  language barriers                                                     Transportation
  result in maintenance                                                 pop up"
  deficiencies                                                          

  Amateur built aircraft TBD                                            "pop up"

  Assessment of          TBD             This study must position       [193](#req193)
  Requirements for and                   government, industry, and      
  Availability of                        schools to fully understand    
  Qualified Aviation                     the requirements for           
  Maintenance                            maintenance personnel and      
  Technicians by 2005                    design training and            
                                         certification programs         
                                         accordingly.                   
  ---------------------- --------------- ------------------------------ -----------------

FY04 Aviation Maintenance

Proposed Projects

  --------------------- --------------- ------------------------------ -----------------
  **Task**              **Performer**   **Deliverable**                **Requirement**

  Evaluation of         TBD             Overview of the                [216](#req216)
  Broadband                             state-of-the-art of broadband  
  Applications to                       applications to maintenance.   
  Maintenance Safety                    Identification of safety       
                                        impact broadband applications  
                                        for maintenance technicians.   
                                        An understanding of the        
                                        integration between training   
                                        and job-aiding as broadband    
                                        technology using maintenance   
                                        environments.                  

  Using Technology to   TBD             This research will provide the [217](#req217)
  Support Inspection                    general aviation industry with 
  Training in                           a benchmark for inspector      
  Corporate, Regional,                  training. Evaluation and       
  and GA                                validation studies will be     
                                        delivered that focus on the    
                                        impact of inspector training   
                                        programs in minimizing         
                                        inspector errors and           
                                        standardizing the inspection   
                                        training process.              

  Determine whether     TBD                                            "Secretary of
  language barriers                                                    Transportation
  result in maintenance                                                pop up"
  deficiencies                                                         

  Amateur built         TBD                                            "pop up"
  aircraft                                                             

  Assessment of         TBD             This study must position       [193](#req193)
  Requirements for and                  government, industry, and      
  Availability of                       schools to fully understand    
  Qualified Aviation                    the requirements for           
  Maintenance                           maintenance personnel and      
  Technicians by 2005                   design training and            
                                        certification programs         
                                        accordingly.                   
  --------------------- --------------- ------------------------------ -----------------