FAA ISSUES DRAFT ADVISORY CIRCULAR ON MAINTENANCE HUMAN FACTORS TRAINING
On November 30, 2016, the FAA issued a draft AC 120-72A on Maintenance Human Factors Training. This AC revision contains new and up to date content on the Human Factors topic for certificate holders to develop, implement, reinforce, and assess aircraft maintenance human factors (MxHF) training programs and includes a detailed listing of information sources to help the reader prepare for and deliver these programs. Comments on this Draft AC are due by December 30, 2016.
Purpose. This document provides references to supplementary MxHF training materials that will help ensure continuing efficiency, effectiveness, and safety in maintenance operations. This AC is not mandatory and does not constitute a regulation but rather provides many sources of information to develop, implement, reinforce, and assess MxHF training.
Cancellation/Change. This AC cancels AC 120-72, Maintenance Resource Management Training, dated September 28, 2000. In 2016, the FAA issued a rule change to part 147. This rule required that the curriculum integrate Human Factors. A detailed list of Human Factors topics is listed in the rule change.
Summary/Background. MxHF began in the 1980s and continues to be an important part of continued safety. The transition from CRM to MxHF is covered under AC 120-72 (September, 2000) and since then, there has been an extensive acceptance of the importance of HF training and programs for maintenance environments.
Application. This AC applies to carriers, operators or persons operating under various parts of Title 14 of the Code of Federal Regulations including: foreign air carriers or foreign persons operating part 129; air carriers or air operators conducting operations under part 121 or 135; operators conducting operations under part 91, part 91K, 125, 133, or 137; airmen certification course operators providing instruction and evaluation under part 65 or 147; persons performing airmen certification under part 65 or 147; individuals performing maintenance or preventive maintenance under part 43; repair stations operating under part 145; Aviation Maintenance Technician Schools providing instruction and evaluation under part 147; and Organization Designation Authorization holders under part 183 subpart D.
If you have any questions or would like further information, please contact Shelley Ewalt.
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