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Human factors engineering in aircraft maintenance: a review

A. Shanmugam (COSCAP, ICAO, Montreal, Canada)
T. Paul Robert (Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Guindy, Anna University, Chennai, India)

Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering

ISSN: 1355-2511

Article publication date: 12 October 2015

3942

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present a literature review on human factors in aircraft maintenance and to analyze and synthesize the findings in the literature on human factors engineering in aircraft maintenance.

Design/methodology/approach

The review adopts a threefold approach: searching and collecting the scientific literature; sorting them on the basis of relevance and applications; and review of the scientific evidences. Broad areas of aircraft maintenance regulations are identified and each area was explored to study the level of scientific growth and publications. Notable theories, models and concepts are being summarized.

Findings

Application of human factor principles in aviation spread beyond the technical arena of man-machine interface. The discipline has created a great impact on aircraft design, operations and maintenance. Its applications have percolated into design of aircraft maintenance facilities, task cards and equipment. Human factor concepts are being used for maintenance resource management. The principles are applied to shape the safety behavior and culture in aviation maintenance workplace. Nevertheless, the review unfolds immense potential for future research.

Research limitations/implications

Research outcomes of non-aviation studies are also reviewed and consolidated to extend the applications to the aviation industry.

Practical implications

This review would be a consolidated source of information confining to the physical aspect of human factors engineering in aircraft maintenance. It is intended to serve as a quick reference guide to the researchers and maintenance practitioners.

Social implications

It brought out the benefits of adopting the principles of human factor engineering in aircraft maintenance. Application of human factor philosophy ensures enhanced safety in air transport, personal safety and well-being of maintenance personnel.

Originality/value

This is a unique review based on aircraft maintenance regulations that are baseline performance standards made mandatory by regulatory authorities. Therefore, the review has been considered to be made on aircraft maintenance regulatory requirements that surpass corporate or competitive strategies in aviation maintenance organization.

Keywords

Citation

Shanmugam, A. and Paul Robert, T. (2015), "Human factors engineering in aircraft maintenance: a review", Journal of Quality in Maintenance Engineering, Vol. 21 No. 4, pp. 478-505. https://doi.org/10.1108/JQME-05-2013-0030

Publisher

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Emerald Group Publishing Limited

Copyright © 2015, Emerald Group Publishing Limited

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