FAA Aviation Mechanic General (AMG)Regulations, Records and Human FactorsHard
During a complex engine installation, a junior mechanic notices the lead technician torquing a fitting to a value that seems incorrect but says nothing, assuming the senior mechanic knows best. The fitting later fails. This scenario best illustrates which Dirty Dozen human factor?
- ALack of knowledge
- BLack of assertiveness
- CNorms
- DComplacency
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: B. Lack of assertiveness
Lack of assertiveness occurs when an individual fails to speak up about a concern due to hesitancy, fear of confrontation, or deference to authority, even when they have relevant knowledge. Here the junior mechanic recognized a possible error but did not voice it.
Why the other options are wrong
- A. Lack of knowledge would mean the junior mechanic didn't know the correct torque, but he did suspect an error.
- C. Norms refers to established unofficial shortcuts, not a one-time silence about a mistake.
- D. Complacency involves overfamiliarity causing reduced vigilance, not a suppressed concern.
Lack of Assertiveness (Dirty Dozen)
A human factor where an individual fails to express concerns, opinions, or objections to a decision or action, often due to hierarchy or fear of conflict, contributing to maintenance errors.
- Common in hierarchical team environments.
- Mitigated by open communication policies and CRM-style training.
- Different from lack of knowledge, which involves not knowing the correct information.
Memory trick: 'Bite your tongue, break the wing' — silence causes failure.