OPENING LINES BATTLING MAINTENANCE COMPLACENCY REQUIRES DOUBLE-CHECKS, ENGAGEMENT, ACCOUNTABILITY Source: https://nbaa.org/, Editor, First Published Nov/Dec Issue 2024 In the fast-changing, increasingly technical world of business aircraft maintenance, there’s simply no place for complacency or resting on past knowledge and practices. As anyone working in aviation knows, safety is paramount, and regular aircraft maintenance is a critical component of that safety commitment. Highly trained aircraft maintenance technicians (AMTs) literally hold the lives of passengers and crew in their hands with every turn of the wrench. For that reason, keeping AMTs engaged and focused on following proper procedures requires constant monitoring of maintenance crews and their work environments, as well as completed tasks. Operators and flight departments must also ensure AMTs are regularly kept abreast of changes in maintenance procedures and practices. Often, that requires offering off-site training opportunities. “I think it’s important to allow technicians to engage outside of the organization as much as possible,” said Stewart D’Leon, CAM, NBAA director, environmental and technical operations. “Things like proficiency training are extremely important, because it gets [AMTs] back into focusing on some of the basics, whether that be aircraft-specific upgrade training or recurrent training. It also gives them the ability to work with other technicians in other departments where they can benefit from the trading of information that takes place.” Combating Complacency In the area of aircraft maintenance, complacency occurs when technicians become content with existing practices, which can cause them to be less focused on detail. It typically occurs when technicians become too comfortable with routine tasks, especially if they’re working on the same aircraft for long periods. They may miss potential risks or cut corners to expedite processes. According to experts, complacency can result from: • Performing routine, repetitive maintenance tasks which can create a sense of familiarity, causing decreased attentiveness • Experienced technicians who may become overconfident over time and aren’t as thorough • Deadline pressures and time constraints sometimes 17 CIVIL AND MUNICIPAL VOLUME 05, ISSUE 11
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