An Evaluation on Norms of Aircraft Mechanics in Selected Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Company

• Author(s): John Richard R. Bueno ; Dr. Mark Louie A. Martin
• Paper ID: 1704615
• Page: 176-184
• Published Date: 07-06-2023
• Published In: Iconic Research And Engineering Journals
• Publisher: IRE Journals
• e-ISSN: 2456-8880
• Volume/Issue: Volume 6 Issue 12 June-2023

Abstract

One of the problems in the aviation industry, especially in the field of maintenance, is safety. There are many contributing factors why safety was being compromised in the maintenance side of aviation, and one of those contributing factors was norms. Norms may have a positive effect on the maintenance of the aircraft, but also there are negative norms, also known as killer norms, which may lead to accidents and incidents not only for the aircraft but also for aircraft mechanics who are working with aircraft. This study demonstrated the use of feedback from aircraft mechanics working in Aviation Partnership Philippines (A+) to create a model for the negative norms to be eliminated on the maintenance side. The study determined the following: norms were frequently happening in the maintenance facility, the level of awareness of aircraft mechanics to the effects of norms in maintenance, and how norms affect the performance of aircraft mechanics. A 4-point Likert survey was used in the study. Three (3) types of 4-point Likert survey was namely; level of frequency, level of agreement and level of awareness of the participants when it comes to positive and negative norms. Where 4 stands for Always/Strongly Agree/Very Aware, 3 stands for Often/Agree/Aware, 2 stands for Rarely/Disagree/Slightly Aware and 1 stands for Never/Strongly Disagree/Not Aware. The survey was participated by 20 mechanics from component shop and 20 mechanics from line maintenance. A total of 40 mechanics of (A+) answered the survey questionnaire. Using mean distribution, the results of the positive norms frequently happening in maintenance facility was rated always while the negative norms were rated rarely. In the level of awareness on the effects of norms, positive norms were rated aware and negative norms were rated slightly aware. And lastly, the participants agree on how norms can affect their performance inside their workplace. Key informant Interviews (KIIs) were performed on the selected mechanics of (A+). The KII questionnaire included the root cause of why mechanics practice norms and recommendations on how negative norms can be eliminated on the side of maintenance of A+. Also questions about other positive and negative norms being practice by mechanics in their workplace based on their experiences was also raised by the researcher during the interview. During the interview, securing the area/workplace free from any foreign object debris (FOD), meeting every 7am before the start of work for a short briefing about the tasks and wearing personal protective equipment during maintenance tasks which is also included in the survey questionnaire were mentioned by the interviewees for the positive norms. While installing the landing gear without checking if the tire pressure is proper, not using manuals during removal and installation of tires, case drain filter, etc. and not using the appropriate tools and mechanics are using their memory instead of manuals were mentioned by the participants for the other negative norms being practiced in their company. All in all, participants in the interview mentioned 1 positive norm and 2 negative norms included in the survey questionnaire which means these norms were the most types of norms that are being practiced by mechanics until now in their workplace. The researcher used the Fogg’s model of behavioral change in order to improve the practice of positive norms in the workplace and also used the said model to eliminate the negative norms that are being practice by the mechanics that can compromise their safety and the safety of the aircrafts.

Citations

IRE Journals:
John Richard R. Bueno , Dr. Mark Louie A. Martin "An Evaluation on Norms of Aircraft Mechanics in Selected Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Company" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals Volume 6 Issue 12 2023 Page 176-184

IEEE:
John Richard R. Bueno , Dr. Mark Louie A. Martin "An Evaluation on Norms of Aircraft Mechanics in Selected Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) Company" Iconic Research And Engineering Journals, 6(12)