FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsMedium
A technician has worked four consecutive 16-hour shifts to meet an aircraft's return-to-service deadline. On the final shift, he forgets to torque a critical fitting, resulting in a discrepancy found during a post-maintenance inspection. Which Dirty Dozen factor most directly contributed to this error?
- ALack of assertiveness
- BComplacency
- CFatigue
- DNorms
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Fatigue
Fatigue results from extended work hours or insufficient rest, impairing attention, memory, and judgment—directly explaining the missed torque step after repeated long shifts.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lack of assertiveness involves failing to speak up about concerns, not tiredness.
- B. Complacency stems from routine familiarity, not physical exhaustion.
- D. Norms refer to unofficial habits becoming accepted practice, not overwork.
Fatigue (Dirty Dozen)
Physical or mental exhaustion reducing a technician's alertness and performance, often from long hours or inadequate rest.
- Increases risk of missed steps and errors.
- Mitigated by duty-time limits and adequate rest periods.
- One of the twelve maintenance human factors identified by the FAA/industry.
Memory trick: 'Tired hands, torque forgotten.'