Humans have natural tendencies to make errors no matter how hard we try, that will never change. However, as a matter of safety of both the aircraft, passengers, and the operating environment it is mandatory to proper strict measures and steps to minimize Aircraft maintenance related errors to the barest minimum. Human factor errors significantly contribute to Aircraft incidence and accidents than any other single factor, this includes errors by the flight crew, maintenance personal, Air traffic controllers, and other personals who have a direct impact on flight safety.

In Aviation it is a matter of professional pride for all concerned Aircraft maintenance personal including other personals to ensure safety first before any other consideration. However, The Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs)the civil aviation advisory circulars, publications, and guidance materials provide for very good safety culture and behaviors in addressing the human factor failings in Aircraft maintenance.

Human factor-related errors in Aircraft maintenance can be significantly eliminated by a very high percentage in maintenance-related events by minimizing and controlling the listings of the twelve most common causes of human errors in Aircraft maintenance known as the Dirty Dozen.

Complacency as a result of overconfidence from repeated experience on a specific activity must and should not be the norm.

Lack of knowledge, a failure to have the required training, information, and lacking the ability to conduct a task must be avoided. Must ask when you do not know, it is also a mandatory regulatory requirement to use and apply the correct current approved manuals in carrying out any task.

Lack of teamwork, failing to coordinate and work together to complete a shared goal must be avoided under all circumstances. Must ensure and discuss specific task so that every member of the group understands, agrees, and are all on the same page.

Avoidance of Distructions in an unlimited number of possible events, conditions that interrupt one’s ability to focus on a specific task is also a key element in avoiding maintenance related errors.

Fatigue either physical or mental exhaustion threatens work performance to a very high percentage and must be avoided.

Lack of resources, lacking in qualified Human Resources, equipment, documentation, time, correct tools, parts to complete a task are also key elements in Aircraft maintenance related errors.

Pressure, either external or by internal forces demanding a high level of job performance, these could be real or perceived. Aircraft Maintenance personal must communicate concerns and ask for extra help and assistance promptly.

Lack of assertiveness as a result of failure to speak up or otherwise document concerns about instructions, orders, or actions of others. Aircraft maintenance personal must and should put safety first at all times.

Lack of communication. Failure to transmit, receive, or provide sufficient feedback to complete a task. Never assume anything, must ensure regulatory compliance in completing tasks.

Norms, existing norms do not make it right, must always follow very good safety culture, procedures following current regulatory requirements, and approved standard Maintenance practices.

Stress, physical or mental conditions resulting from external forces affect health and the quality of work. Therefore, must always avoid stress and take a rational approach to problem-solving.

Lack of awareness. Failure to see a condition, understand what it is, and predict with a high degree of accuracy the possible result. must not let your work conflict with existing regulation, and approved maintenance practices, always see the big overall safety picture.

Observing and keeping in good faith with the Regulation, the organisational systematic approach in managing safety. The Mandatory occurrence reporting provisions provide for a very good safety culture by all concerned. It is also a social responsibility for all passengers to report any observed unsafe behaviors, conditions promptly for any safety-related observations to enhance the safety of aircraft, it’s occupants, and the operating environment.

  Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations