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Module 9 Human factors: 50 practice questions

Real EASA paper: Category A 28 Q / 35 min · B1.1 28 Q / 35 min · B1.2 28 Q / 35 min · B1.3 28 Q / 35 min · B2 28 Q / 35 min · B2L 28 Q / 35 min · B3 28 Q / 35 min. Three options, 75% to pass. Answer key on the last page. From part66exam.com · independent study aid, not an official exam or a past paper.

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  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

  26. 26. The Dirty Dozen concept was originally developed by:

    1. A. Elwyn Edwards of Aston University
    2. B. Gordon Dupont of Transport Canada
    3. C. James Reason of Manchester University

  27. 27. Which error type results from applying a normally good rule in the wrong situation?

    1. A. Rule-based mistake
    2. B. Skill-based slip
    3. C. Lapse of memory

  28. 28. According to widely quoted accident statistics, approximately what proportion of aviation accidents involve human error as a cause or contributing factor?

    1. A. 20–25 %
    2. B. 40–45 %
    3. C. 75–80 %

  29. 29. At approximately what time of day is alertness normally at its lowest for a person on a normal day-night schedule?

    1. A. Late morning, around 10:00–12:00
    2. B. Early evening, around 18:00–20:00
    3. C. Early morning, around 03:00–06:00

  30. 30. Using the approved maintenance data for every task:

    1. A. is needed only for unfamiliar tasks
    2. B. reduces reliance on memory
    3. C. can be replaced by a personal checklist

  31. 31. Prolonged use of vibrating hand tools such as rivet guns can cause:

    1. A. improved grip strength in the hands
    2. B. hand-arm vibration syndrome (white finger)
    3. C. short-sightedness and eye strain

  32. 32. According to Maslow's hierarchy of needs, which need must generally be satisfied first?

    1. A. Physiological needs such as food, water and sleep
    2. B. Self-actualisation and personal growth
    3. C. Esteem, status and recognition

  33. 33. A technician must detect small cracks during close visual inspection. Which aid most directly compensates for limited visual acuity?

    1. A. A suitable magnifying glass and good directional lighting
    2. B. Earplugs to reduce distractions from noise
    3. C. Working faster to reduce time on task

  34. 34. A technician fits a component without noticing that a previous modification has changed the installation. Which Dirty Dozen factor is most evident?

    1. A. Lack of awareness
    2. B. Pressure
    3. C. Lack of teamwork

  35. 35. The main aim of a maintenance error investigation is to:

    1. A. identify contributing factors and prevent recurrence
    2. B. identify the individual to blame
    3. C. close the report as quickly as possible

  36. 36. Human factors differs from ergonomics mainly in that human factors also considers:

    1. A. only the physical dimensions of the workplace and the tools
    2. B. the organisational, social and psychological aspects of work, not just physical fit
    3. C. only the mechanical reliability of tools and ground equipment

  37. 37. The primary cause of fatigue is:

    1. A. lack of sleep
    2. B. excessive exercise alone
    3. C. working in daylight

  38. 38. A cluttered, untidy work area increases the risk of:

    1. A. FOD and lost tools
    2. B. slower work but no added risk
    3. C. damage to the hangar floor only

  39. 39. 'Diffusion of responsibility' happens when:

    1. A. a supervisor delegates a task to one person
    2. B. responsibility passes formally at shift change
    3. C. each person assumes someone else will act

  40. 40. Knowledge of facts and meanings, such as the function of a hydraulic accumulator, is stored in which type of memory?

    1. A. Episodic memory
    2. B. Iconic memory
    3. C. Semantic memory

  41. 41. Seeing 'the whole picture' is the FAA remedy for lack of awareness. Which specific action supports it?

    1. A. Make sure there are no conflicts with an existing repair or modification
    2. B. Focus only on the immediate component being replaced
    3. C. Avoid reading the aircraft's maintenance history

  42. 42. The EASA human factors training syllabus heading 'Human error' includes which of the following?

    1. A. Aircraft weight and balance calculations and loading procedures
    2. B. Radio station licensing requirements and frequency allocation
    3. C. Error models, error types, violations, error management and reliability

  43. 43. FAA AC 120-72A describes maintenance human factors training as a means of:

    1. A. replacing technical training on aircraft systems
    2. B. improving safety by reducing and managing maintenance errors
    3. C. certifying technicians to sign maintenance releases

  44. 44. A technician chooses to follow procedures because they believe it is the right thing to do, not because of reward. This is an example of:

    1. A. extrinsic motivation
    2. B. intrinsic motivation
    3. C. peer pressure

  45. 45. A technician on the third consecutive night shift has trouble concentrating and misses an item. Which Dirty Dozen factor is most evident?

    1. A. Lack of assertiveness
    2. B. Fatigue
    3. C. Norms

  46. 46. Organisational culture is often summarised as:

    1. A. the way we do things around here
    2. B. the organisation's approval certificate
    3. C. the list of tools in the tool store

  47. 47. In the context of the Dirty Dozen, risk mitigation means:

    1. A. accepting all identified risks without making any change
    2. B. putting in place measures that reduce the likelihood or consequences of an error
    3. C. transferring blame for the error to the technician involved

  48. 48. Why is it important for a maintenance team to agree how a task will be done before starting?

    1. A. It ensures a shared plan and reduces the chance of conflicting or omitted actions
    2. B. It removes the need to consult the maintenance data during the task
    3. C. It allows the task to be completed without any stage sign-offs

  49. 49. According to the FAA Dirty Dozen poster, distractions are:

    1. A. the number one cause of forgetting things during a maintenance task
    2. B. a problem that affects only flight crew and not technicians
    3. C. exactly the same as fatigue and cured by rest alone

  50. 50. Which quality is most important for a leader in a maintenance environment?

    1. A. Avoiding contact with the workforce
    2. B. Setting a good example by following procedures
    3. C. Accepting any shortcut that meets the deadline

Answer key

  1. 1. C — 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. B — 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. C — 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. B — 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. B — 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. B — 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. C — Failing to speak up or document concerns about instructions or actions of others is lack of assertiveness.
  8. 8. A — 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. A — 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. C — 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. A — 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. B — 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. C — Limit exposure times, use low-vibration tools and report symptoms such as tingling or white fingers.
  14. 14. B — 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. A — 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. A — 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. C — 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. A — 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. B — 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. C — 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. C — Manage workload by planning, delegating and avoiding unrealistic deadlines.
  22. 22. C — Cold makes hands numb, reduces grip and concentration; take breaks and use suitable clothing.
  23. 23. C — 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. B — 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. B — Visual performance depends on adequate, well-directed lighting. Glare and reflections reduce contrast and hide defects; fatigue, age, alcohol and smoking also degrade vision.
  26. 26. B — Gordon Dupont at Transport Canada identified the twelve human factors after a series of maintenance-related accidents in the late 1980s and early 1990s. They were adopted widely by the industry.
  27. 27. A — Rule-based mistakes occur when a familiar 'if X then Y' rule is applied to a situation where it does not fit, or a bad rule is used.
  28. 28. C — The FAA AMT handbook states that approximately 75–80 % of aviation accidents result from human error, and illustrates the 80/20 split between human factors and machine failure. This is the main reason human factors training is mandatory for maintenance staff.
  29. 29. C — Body temperature and alertness follow the circadian rhythm and reach their lowest point in the early hours of the morning. Night-shift workers are therefore most prone to errors at this time.
  30. 30. B — Approved data reflects the current configuration and procedures.
  31. 31. B — Regular exposure to hand-arm vibration can damage blood vessels, nerves and joints, causing numbness and blanching of fingers. Limiting exposure time and using low-vibration tools are the controls.
  32. 32. A — Maslow's hierarchy runs from physiological needs, through safety, social (belonging) and esteem needs, to self-actualisation at the top. Lower needs generally have to be met before higher ones motivate behaviour.
  33. 33. A — Magnification increases the apparent size of defects and directional lighting increases contrast, for example by throwing shadows from cracks. Both compensate for the limits of unaided vision.
  34. 34. A — Failure to recognise the situation and its consequences is lack of awareness. Checking for conflicts with existing repairs or modifications is the countermeasure.
  35. 35. A — Error investigation should find out what happened and why, so that contributing factors are corrected. Feedback to staff shows that reporting leads to improvement.
  36. 36. B — Ergonomics focuses on fitting the workplace and equipment to the human body. Human factors includes ergonomics but also covers psychology, communication, teamwork, organisational culture and management influences on performance.
  37. 37. A — The FAA handbook states that the primary cause of fatigue is lack of sleep, and good restful sleep free from drugs or alcohol is a human necessity. Fatigue increases mistakes, poor judgement and poor decisions.
  38. 38. A — Good housekeeping supports tool control, reduces trips and prevents foreign object debris.
  39. 39. C — In a group, individuals may fail to report or check something because they think others will; clear roles prevent it.
  40. 40. C — Long-term memory is often divided into semantic memory (general knowledge and facts) and episodic memory (memory of specific events experienced). Motor skills are stored as motor programmes.
  41. 41. A — To see the whole picture, technicians should check for conflicts with existing repairs or modifications and fully understand the procedures needed to complete the task.
  42. 42. C — GM1 145.A.30(e) item 3 lists error models and theories, types of errors in maintenance tasks, violations, implications of errors, avoiding and managing errors, and human reliability.
  43. 43. B — AC 120-72A gives guidance on developing maintenance human factors training programmes. Its purpose is to raise awareness of error-producing conditions and give staff the tools to reduce and manage maintenance errors.
  44. 44. B — Intrinsic motivation comes from within: professional pride, interest or a sense of doing the job properly. Extrinsic motivation comes from outside rewards or penalties. Professionalism relies strongly on intrinsic motivation.
  45. 45. B — Loss of concentration and missed items after consecutive night shifts are signs of fatigue. Planning, rest and having work checked are the defences.
  46. 46. A — Culture is the shared values, beliefs and behaviours of an organisation's people. It strongly affects how procedures are followed, whether errors are reported and how safety is prioritised.
  47. 47. B — Risk mitigation uses safety nets such as checklists, independent inspections, planning, training and reporting to reduce the chance of an error or to limit its effect. Each Dirty Dozen item has typical countermeasures.
  48. 48. A — The FAA Dirty Dozen advice for teamwork is to discuss how a task should be done and make sure everyone understands and agrees. A shared plan prevents two people making conflicting assumptions about who does what.
  49. 49. A — Distraction is anything that draws attention away from the task. The FAA states distractions are the #1 cause of forgetting things, including what has or has not been done.
  50. 50. B — Leaders influence their teams by example. A leader who follows procedures, supports reporting and manages time pressure realistically encourages the same behaviour in others.

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