Part-66 Module 9 Human Factors Questions and Practice Paper

25 free Part-66 Module 9 Human factors practice questions with answers

Try each one, then open the answer. For the timed experience use the free exam-style paper or the printable version.

1. 1. Fatigue that is not relieved by a normal period of rest and may need medical attention is called:

   1. A. acute fatigue
   2. B. skill fatigue
   3. C. chronic fatigue
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   C. chronic fatigue

   Acute fatigue is short-term and cured by rest and around eight hours of sound sleep. Chronic fatigue builds over a long period, is not relieved by rest and may require treatment by a physician.

2. 2. An independent inspection, as an error-capturing method, is performed by:

   1. A. the same person who performed the task, after a rest
   2. B. an independent qualified person who did not perform the task
   3. C. the aircraft commander in every case
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   B. an independent qualified person who did not perform the task

   AMC4 145.A.48(c)(2) describes independent inspection by an 'independent qualified person' of a task carried out by an 'authorised person'. The independent person need not hold certification privileges because they do not issue the release to service.

3. 3. The decibel scale used to measure sound level is:

   1. A. linear, so that 100 dB is exactly twice as loud as 50 dB
   2. B. a measure of the frequency, or pitch, of the sound wave
   3. C. logarithmic, so a small dB increase is a large rise in intensity
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   C. logarithmic, so a small dB increase is a large rise in intensity

   The decibel is a logarithmic unit: an increase of about 3 dB doubles the sound energy, and about 10 dB is perceived as roughly twice as loud. Small numerical increases therefore matter for hearing protection.

4. 4. Which management action most directly supports a positive safety culture?

   1. A. Setting deadlines that cannot be met without taking shortcuts
   2. B. Visible commitment to safety and fair treatment of those who report errors
   3. C. Discouraging junior staff from asking questions of seniors
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   B. Visible commitment to safety and fair treatment of those who report errors

   Managers set the tone: by resourcing work properly, treating reporters fairly and acting on reports, they encourage staff to follow procedures and report errors. Poor management example quickly becomes the norm.

5. 5. An organisation issues a technical notice about a new procedure. What should it do to confirm dissemination?

   1. A. Post it once on a notice board with no follow-up
   2. B. Have staff acknowledge they have read and understood it
   3. C. Send it only to the accountable manager
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   B. Have staff acknowledge they have read and understood it

   Effective dissemination includes confirming receipt and understanding, for example read-and-sign records, briefings or training, so the organisation knows the information has reached the people concerned.

6. 6. Why does a technician need to allow time for vision to adapt when moving from a dark area into bright sunlight?

   1. A. Bright light permanently increases the visual acuity of the eye
   2. B. The pupil and retina need time to adjust, so vision is briefly impaired
   3. C. The eardrum must first equalise pressure with the outside air
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   B. The pupil and retina need time to adjust, so vision is briefly impaired

   Changes in light level require the pupil to change size and the retina to adapt. For a short time vision is impaired, which can hide hazards such as moving vehicles or propellers on the ramp.

7. 7. A technician notices an incorrect instruction from a supervisor but says nothing to avoid conflict. Which Dirty Dozen factor applies?

   1. A. Lack of knowledge
   2. B. Complacency
   3. C. Lack of assertiveness
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   C. Lack of assertiveness

   Failing to speak up or document concerns about instructions or actions of others is lack of assertiveness.

8. 8. Organisational errors are most likely to originate from:

   1. A. management decisions on resources, procedures, planning and culture
   2. B. individual slips made by technicians during routine tasks
   3. C. the weather conditions on the day of the event
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   A. management decisions on resources, procedures, planning and culture

   Organisational errors stem from decisions on staffing, training, equipment, procedures, planning and culture. They create latent conditions that make individual errors more likely.

9. 9. Under Part-145, which staff should receive human factors (safety) training?

   1. A. All staff involved in maintenance, including planners, stores and certifying staff
   2. B. Only staff who hold a Part-66 aircraft maintenance licence issued by the authority
   3. C. Only the managers nominated in the maintenance organisation exposition
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   A. All staff involved in maintenance, including planners, stores and certifying staff

   AMC4 145.A.30(e) lists nominated persons, supervisors, certifying and support staff, mechanics, planners, technical records staff, specialised services, stores and purchasing staff and ground equipment operators. Human factors affect everyone whose work influences airworthiness.

10. 10. Error-provoking behaviour includes:

    1. A. taking scheduled rest breaks during the shift
    2. B. asking a colleague to check critical work
    3. C. working when fatigued, rushing and not using maintenance data
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    C. working when fatigued, rushing and not using maintenance data

    Behaviour that makes errors more likely includes rushing, working from memory, working while fatigued or impaired and accepting unsafe norms. Recognising it is part of the HF programme.

11. 11. The natural daily cycle of body functions such as temperature and alertness is known as the:

    1. A. circadian rhythm
    2. B. REM cycle
    3. C. Yerkes-Dodson curve
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    A. circadian rhythm

    Circadian rhythms repeat approximately every 24 hours and govern body temperature, hormones and alertness. Alertness is typically lowest in the early morning hours, which is why night-shift errors are more likely then.

12. 12. An 'error-capturing method' is defined by the EASA AMC as:

    1. A. a method used by the organisation to record staff attendance
    2. B. actions defined by the organisation to detect errors made in maintenance
    3. C. a disciplinary procedure applied to staff who make errors
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    B. actions defined by the organisation to detect errors made in maintenance

    AMC3 145.A.48(c)(2) states error-capturing methods are actions defined by the organisation to detect errors made while performing maintenance. A combination such as visual inspection, operational check, functional test and rigging check may be necessary.

13. 13. Vibration from power tools over long periods can cause:

    1. A. tinnitus (ringing in the ears)
    2. B. carpal tunnel syndrome only
    3. C. hand-arm vibration syndrome
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    C. hand-arm vibration syndrome

    Limit exposure times, use low-vibration tools and report symptoms such as tingling or white fingers.

14. 14. Which characteristic is essential for effective teamwork in maintenance?

    1. A. Each member working independently without discussion
    2. B. Shared understanding of the task, clear roles and good communication
    3. C. One member doing all checks while others watch
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    B. Shared understanding of the task, clear roles and good communication

    Effective teams discuss how a task will be done, make sure everyone understands and agrees, and trust each other. Lack of teamwork is one of the Dirty Dozen.

15. 15. Communication 'between teams' in maintenance includes:

    1. A. information passed between shifts, departments and other organisations
    2. B. only the conversations within one team on one shift
    3. C. only the messages written in the aircraft technical log
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    A. information passed between shifts, departments and other organisations

    Maintenance involves many teams: shifts, planning, stores, quality, the operator and contractors. Poor communication at these interfaces is a frequent cause of errors.

16. 16. The approximate frequency range of hearing for a healthy young adult is:

    1. A. 20 Hz to 20 kHz
    2. B. 2 Hz to 2 kHz
    3. C. 200 Hz to 200 kHz
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    A. 20 Hz to 20 kHz

    Humans can hear roughly 20 Hz to 20 kHz, with greatest sensitivity in the middle range of a few kHz where speech lies. The upper limit falls with age and with noise-induced hearing loss.

17. 17. A technician performs a task on a new aircraft type without having been trained, relying on experience of an older type. Which factor applies?

    1. A. Complacency
    2. B. Pressure
    3. C. Lack of knowledge
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    C. Lack of knowledge

    Performing a task without adequate training or information is lack of knowledge. Using current manuals, asking and getting type training are the countermeasures.

18. 18. Human error is defined in the FAA AMT handbook as:

    1. A. a human action with unintended consequences
    2. B. a deliberate breach of the regulations
    3. C. any failure of an aircraft component
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    A. a human action with unintended consequences

    The FAA defines human error as a human action with unintended consequences. Errors are not avoidable but they are manageable, through making them visible and catching them before they cause harm.

19. 19. One purpose of recurrent human factors training stated in the EASA AMC is to:

    1. A. renew the Part-66 licence of each attendee
    2. B. collect feedback on safety and human factors issues from staff
    3. C. replace the need for type training on new aircraft
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    B. collect feedback on safety and human factors issues from staff

    AMC4 145.A.30(e)(c) says recurrent safety training ensures staff remain current in SMS and human factors principles and also collects feedback. Trainers should formally report this feedback through the internal safety reporting scheme so that action can be taken.

20. 20. A technician is taking a prescribed antihistamine that can cause drowsiness. The most appropriate action is to:

    1. A. take a double dose so that the symptoms clear more quickly
    2. B. continue normally because prescribed medicines are always safe
    3. C. check the side effects and inform the supervisor before undertaking safety-critical work
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    C. check the side effects and inform the supervisor before undertaking safety-critical work

    Many prescription and over-the-counter medicines cause drowsiness or reduced alertness. Staff should read the warnings, seek advice and tell their supervisor if they may be impaired.

21. 21. Mental workload is highest when:

    1. A. the technician is performing a familiar task
    2. B. the shift has just started
    3. C. a complex task is done under time pressure
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    C. a complex task is done under time pressure

    Manage workload by planning, delegating and avoiding unrealistic deadlines.

22. 22. Working in very cold conditions can lead to:

    1. A. faster reactions due to alertness
    2. B. no effect if gloves are worn
    3. C. reduced dexterity and slower reactions
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    C. reduced dexterity and slower reactions

    Cold makes hands numb, reduces grip and concentration; take breaks and use suitable clothing.

23. 23. What is the highest level in Maslow's hierarchy of needs?

    1. A. Safety and security
    2. B. Belonging and love
    3. C. Self-actualisation
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    C. Self-actualisation

    Self-actualisation, reaching one's full potential, is the top of Maslow's hierarchy. Job design that offers challenge and development can motivate staff whose basic needs are already met.

24. 24. Why is shift handover a high-risk point for maintenance errors?

    1. A. Only completed tasks are ever handed over between shifts
    2. B. Work that is partially complete may not be visible, and information can be lost
    3. C. Aircraft cannot be worked on while the handover is taking place
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    B. Work that is partially complete may not be visible, and information can be lost

    Many steps cannot be seen once components are installed or covered, so the incoming shift relies on accurate information. Verbal handover supported by written records and a face-to-face exchange reduces omissions.

25. 25. Which factor is most likely to reduce a technician's visual performance during an inspection?

    1. A. Using a torch to supplement general lighting
    2. B. Glare from a poorly positioned light source
    3. C. Cleaning the area before inspecting it
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    B. Glare from a poorly positioned light source

    Visual performance depends on adequate, well-directed lighting. Glare and reflections reduce contrast and hide defects; fatigue, age, alcohol and smoking also degrade vision.

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