FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsMedium
During a shift change, a technician who had partially disassembled an inspection panel leaves without verbally briefing the incoming shift or documenting the panel's status. The next technician, unaware, closes the panel believing the work is complete. This incident is a classic example of which Dirty Dozen human factor?
- ALack of communication
- BDistraction
- CLack of resources
- DComplacency
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. Lack of communication
Lack of communication occurs when critical information is not passed between individuals or shifts, leading to errors. The failure to brief the incoming technician about incomplete work is a textbook lack-of-communication scenario.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. Distraction involves being pulled away from a task mid-performance, not shift handoff failure.
- C. Lack of resources involves missing tools, parts, or manpower, not a briefing failure.
- D. Complacency involves overconfidence from repetition, not missing handoff information.
Lack of Communication (Dirty Dozen)
One of the FAA's twelve human factors causing maintenance errors, referring to failure to pass on necessary information between individuals, shifts, or departments.
- Common at shift changes and job handoffs.
- Mitigated by written logs and verbal briefings.
- Part of the 'Dirty Dozen' maintenance human factors model.
Memory trick: 'Silent shift, sunk ship' — no talk means trouble.