Aviation Safety

Aviation Safety Introduction Carelessness can be defined as ignorance or incorrectly assessing a risk. According to NTSB (2003), it is important to carefully follow maintenance and inspection procedures in order to avert aircraft related accidents, safeguard company property, and save life. By and large, most aircraft emergencies and fatal accidents are as a result of mistakes that occur during the process of maintenance and inspection.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Aviation Safety specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More Looking at the number of accidents witnessed annually in the sector, it is quite obvious that the training offered to mechanics during their formative stages is not yielding the expected results. Apart from the aviation industry, many other accidents can also be attributed to human error. This paper presents a discussion on mistakes that occur during maintenance and inspection and how they affect the operations of air carriers as well as consumers. Maintenance Related Concerns As can be deduced from past studies, human related errors are to blame for the high number of accidents occurring due negligence, and failure by aviation maintenance technicians to comply with stipulated maintenance standards and procedures (CAA, 2002). Statistically, associated number of accidents has continued to increase and this can be linked to issues such as technical engine failure. Sadly, the repercussions are serious and lead to deaths and severe damage to property and human life (Dillingham, 2010). Similarly, the reputation of the air carriers has been dwindling due to such accidents. Because of the complex nature of the problem, it has been a challenge to come up with concrete solutions. Consequently, the situation has continued unabated. Regardless of whether maintenance related aircraft accidents are new to the aviation industry, the awareness of the need for aviation safety implies that should be thorou ghly investigated. Presently, the increase in the number of accidents due to poor maintenance and inspection is a major concern to many stakeholders (CASA, 2012). It is, therefore, important to shift focus from investigating the performance of flight crews and to concentrate more on establishing where the problem lies within the maintenance and inspection units. Apparently, this has been largely ignored in a number of past investigations. In areas where the possibility of errors is quite high, the task of aircraft maintenance and inspection can be extremely complex and quite varied. One of the greatest concerns is that aviation maintenance technicians often have to work under very strict deadlines. Although these technicians understand the importance of meeting scheduled departure times, it is unhealthy for them to be made to work under pressure.Advertising Looking for research paper on aviation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn M ore To ease the pressure on aviation maintenance technicians, it is necessary for air carriers to employ additional staff and to designs flexible working plans for the maintenance crew. Among other benefits, this will reduce fatigue and grant them an opportunity to rest and embark on their duties when they are very fresh and feeling energized. Another concern that has been raised is that aircraft maintenance technicians are required to take care of very old aircrafts (Holanda, 2009). In general, this is can be very exhaustive, creates a stressful work environment, wastes so much time, and is quite involving. The demands on aviation maintenance technician increases further as new aircrafts are added to the fleet. The need to take care of old as well new aircraft poses challenges to the maintenance crew and requires familiarity with both technologies. A very highly skilled workforce is thus critical if air carriers are to effectively deal with emerging maintenance issues (CASA , 2012). Besides having a strong educational background, wide experience is a distinct added advantage for any aviation maintenance expert. Fortunately, there is an increased recognition of the significance of human factors in aviation safety. Subsequently, safety and effectiveness of aircrafts is now closely associated with the performance of aircraft of maintenance technicians. Human Error and Aviation safety According to Conquest and Beckett (2003), the effect from technical failures is quite negligible in comparison to that from human error. As such, it is imperative to ensure that the needs of aviation maintenance technicians are fully met. In a recent exercise carried out by Boeing Commercial Airplane Company, three things that lead to accidents include the fact that flight crews fail to adhere to procedures, the existence of maintenance and inspection errors, and design factors. Human Error in Aircraft Maintenance and Inspection Generally, human error in the aviation industry becomes obvious when aircraft failures that are linked to the actions or non actions of aircraft maintenance technicians happen (CAA, 2002). However, the failure experienced may be due to other factors and not necessarily because of the inability of maintenance technicians to deliver effectively. It is also possible that during a maintenance exercise an anomaly may be undetected, leading to aircraft failure and subsequently, an accident. To a large extent, many past accidents have been linked to human errors as major contributors (Conquest Beckett, 2003). While in some cases, accidents can directly be attributed to human error, the same may not be said of certain accidents where poor maintenance is seen to have partially contributed to the occurrence of an accident.Advertising We will write a custom research paper sample on Aviation Safety specifically for you for only $16.05 $11/page Learn More In a list published by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Aut hority, the major problems resulting from unprofessional practice during maintenance include poor installations of aircraft components, use of unauthorized aircraft parts, poor electrical wiring, unsatisfactory lubrication of movable parts, and fastenings that are left incomplete. According to CASA (2022), there are numerous issues that can lead to maintenance errors. While some are easily noticeable, others may completely be hidden. To address these issues, it is imperative for the air carriers to require all aviation maintenance technicians to strictly follow outlined maintenance procedures while performing maintenance tasks. Aviation maintenance technicians must be made to understand the importance of being extremely vigilant. Any form of negligence must be avoided at all costs and stakeholders must steer away from actions or non actions that can be detrimental to the effective performance of an aircraft. Where an aviation maintenance technician deliberately acts in a manner like ly to create problems for the aircraft and the air carrier company, he or she must be subjected to some form of punishment. In order to effectively deal with problems created by human error, concerned persons must diligently carry out thorough investigations and interpret findings in a way that will benefits the carrier company as well as general public. Contributing human factors or any individual involved must be identified and appropriate measures should be taken to avoid a repeat of the same at a later time. In various past studies, it is evident that while organizations can be a source of accidents due to negligent acts, they can also help to prevent the occurrence of accidents and save human life. However, the ability of organizations to address safety issues in their operations depends so much on the technology available to them. While organizations with improved technology are better placed to effectively deal with identified safety concerns, those without such technology su ffer serious challenges and are unable to address safety problems even after they have been detected.Advertising Looking for research paper on aviation? Let's see if we can help you! Get your first paper with 15% OFF Learn More Apparently, the promotion of safety as well as prevention of accidents in the aviation sector is rarely looked at as a human problem that must be dealt with by ensuring that aviation maintenance technicians are well prepared. Better results can, however, be realized when the training offered is accompanied with strict follow ups to ensure that trainees effectively utilize the skills learnt. Obviously, the rising number of accidents point to the fact that aviation maintenance technicians are not putting skills learnt to good use as it is widely expected. Because of carelessness, technicians have ended up causing serious irreversible damage to humanity and air carrier companies. It is also very important for top management in organizations to ensure that staff members are serious about their work. Without some form of reinforcement from senior personnel in the organization, the problem will continue uncontrollably. Strong support from the top is, therefore, a key requirement. Ordinari ly, errors do not happen in isolation. They occur within the context of organizations which can either resist or promote them. Ideally, this implies that organizations have the liberty to decide how to deal with safety concerns that affect their day to day business operations. On the one hand, they can choose to let things get worse, and hence cause more problems for themselves and the general public while on the other hand, they can decide to implement strict measures that will see an end to laxity and alleviate any problems in future. It is, therefore imperative for the organization to have very strong and reliable leadership at the top to avoid the promotion of mediocre standards. Departures from approved procedures must be avoided at all costs and senior managers must see to it that all aviation maintenance technicians perform their functions as expected. Refusal to follow outlined guidelines as well as logging requirements to perform maintenance tasks is unacceptable and must n ot be entertained by anyone in the organization. Human Error in the Maintenance Environment Typically, unique characteristics are bound to shape human error within the maintenance environment (Huang, 2009). To a great extent, this is thought to be completely different when compared to other operational departments of an organization. One of the biggest challenges faced by aviation maintenance technician is that unlike problems seen in other departments, maintenance related errors cannot be identified at the time of occurrence. In some cases, the aviation maintenance technician who makes an error may fail to realize it as it may happen long after the maintenance has taken place. Ordinarily, detected human errors associated with maintenance only become obvious when an aircraft malfunctions and it is generally not easy to identify the real cause of the error. Errors are thus discussed with regard to failures encountered with aircrafts. According to Goldman et al. (2002), communication is a very important factor to consider in aircraft maintenance. In most cases, communication breakdown among stakeholders leads to unexpected repercussions. The huge amount of information created must be properly disseminate to the right recipients and where possible properly stored for future reference. Besides, it is important to ensure that any information sent out is in a form that can be effectively understood by whoever receives it. Ineffective communication to the maintenance crew, for example, can have a very damaging outcome. Communication must be put in the simplest possible form and the use of technical jargon must be avoided so as to ensure that the recipient understands the communication relayed. When maintenance problems are encountered, communication must be sent to the manufacturer before it is late, to get the correct remedy. If ignored, this could lower the performance level of an aircraft and in some cases lead to unnecessary expenses. Although communication betwe en airlines is never easy to do, it is necessary and the maintenance crew must be encouraged to get involved. Lack of or poor communication within the organization’s maintenance unit can also be very dangerous (Goldman et al, 2002). For there to be unity, and for everyone to move towards the same direction, there must be smooth communication. It is, therefore, the responsibility of the unit head to keep the communication fire burning within the organization. Whenever issues are encountered, these must be dealt with immediately so that people can move on. Any complicated issues can, however, be escalated to senior managers in the organization for further attention and advice. In a worse case scenario, a breakdown in communication can easily lead to delays in delivery of critical services and this can in turn affect the general operation of the airline. In the event that such misunderstandings affect the customer, the biggest loser will be the company. Conclusion Given the tigh t link that exists between human error and aviation safety, it is certainly not easy to effectively deal with the resultant problems. Although well structured training programs and strong leadership can be of great help, good will from the aviation maintenance technicians is vital. Without whole hearted support from these technicians, any efforts to deal with aviation safety will bear very little or no fruit at all. As has been explained in this paper, detecting human errors in the aviation industry is not easy. Errors tend to be detected long after they have happened and usually, they tend to occur in the absence of the aviation maintenance technicians. Analysis is thus based mostly on assumptions rather than on concrete evidence. This notwithstanding, organizations must take all the necessary precautions to guarantee the safety of their staff members, customers, and aircrafts. Proper guidelines and procedures must be put in place and the maintenance crew should be equipped with cr itical skills to help them carry out their tasks. Dissatisfaction among staff and lack of concern will lead to serious damage and must be addressed fully. Aviation maintenance technicians and by extension, all other employees, must be treated with respect. They must all form an opinion that the organization has their interests well catered for. When all is said and done, it is the organization’s reputation that is at stake. Other important considerations are effective communication at all levels and well organized of trainings for aviation maintenance technicians. However, as noted earlier, it is imperative to devise follow up programs that will make it possible to reinforce the skills learnt during the training. It is of no use for people to receive world class training but fail to utilize it effectively. References Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). (2002). Human Factors in Aircraft Maintenance and Inspection. Web. Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). (2012). SMS for Aviati on – A Practical Guide. Web. Conquest, T. Beckett, B. A. (2003). Aviation Safety: Better Guidance and Training Needed on Providing Files on Pilots Background Information. Collingdale, PA: DIANE Publishing. Dillingham, G. L. (2010). Aviation Safety: Improved Data Quality and Analysis Capabilities are needed as FAA Plans a Risk-Based Approach to Safety Oversight. Collingdale, PA: DIANE Publishing. Goldman, S. M., Fiedler, E. R. King, R. E. (2002). General Aviation Maintenance Related Accidents: A Review of Ten Years of NTSB Data. Web. National Transport Safety Board (NTSB). (2013). Mechanics: Managing Risks to Ensure Safety. Web. Holanda, R. (2009). A History of Aviation Safety: Featuring the U. S. Airline System. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse Publishing. Huang, J. (2009). Aviation Safety through the Rule of Law: ICAOs Mechanisms and Practices. Frederick, MD: Kluwer Law International.