FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsEasy
A technician attempts a composite structure repair using techniques he learned years ago on aluminum structures, without referring to the manufacturer's composite repair manual. The repair later fails a load test. Which Dirty Dozen human factor best explains this error?
- AComplacency
- BDistraction
- CLack of Knowledge
- DNorms
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: C. Lack of Knowledge
Lack of Knowledge occurs when a technician does not have the training, information, or experience needed for a specific task, such as applying outdated metal-repair techniques to a composite structure without consulting current data.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Complacency involves overconfidence from repetitive familiar tasks, not applying wrong knowledge.
- B. Distraction involves an external interruption, not a knowledge gap.
- D. Norms are unofficial shortcuts a workgroup adopts, not an individual knowledge deficiency.
Lack of Knowledge (Dirty Dozen)
One of the twelve human factors that lead to maintenance errors; occurs when a technician lacks the training, data, or experience required to perform a task correctly.
- Mitigated by proper training and current technical data
- Different materials/systems require specific procedures
- Never assume old techniques apply to new technology
Memory trick: 'Know before you go' — never guess on unfamiliar systems.