LACK OF KNOWLEDGE

Lack of knowledge means a shortage of training, information, and/or ability to perform

successfully. Lack of knowledge while performing maintenance on aircraft can result in a faulty
repair which can have catastrophic consequences.
All maintenance must be performed to standards specified in approved instructions. These
instructions are based on knowledge gained from the engineering and operation of the aircraft
equipment. Maintenance personnel must be sure to use the latest applicable maintenance data
and follow each step of the procedure as outlined. They must also be aware that differences exist
in the design and maintenance procedures on different aircraft. It is important for technicians to
obtain training on different types of aircraft. When in doubt, a technician with experience on the
aircraft should be consulted. If one is not available, or the consulted technician is not familiar
with the procedure, a manufacturer’s technical representative should be contacted. It is better to
delay a maintenance procedure than to do it incorrectly and cause an accident.
MITIGATING THE RISK
 Only fix parts that you are trained to fix.
 Ensure that the maintenance manual you are using is up to date.
 If you do not know how to fix something, ask for help from someone who does.

LACK OF AWARENESS
Lack of awareness is a failure to recognize a situation, understand what it is, and predict the
possible results. It is a failure to recognize all the consequences of an action or lack of foresight.
After completing the same tasks multiple times, maintenance personnel can develop a lack of
awareness for what is around them. They tend to lack common sense and vigilance because they
have completed the same task so many times.
SCENARIO:
A loss of situational awareness may happen to a maintenance team or individual when
performing a task. A mechanic or instrument technician may be writing notes or working on an
instrument or gauge and not notice that the aircraft is rolling forward. The person in the right-
hand seat may be asked to hold the brakes while the left seat person is working on something.
Not all aircraft have brakes on the right side.
The lack of awareness or the loss of situational awareness is directly related to fatigue, stress or
illness. We must recognize when we are suffering from fatigue, stress or illness and we must
adjust our behavior accordingly. There are probably some tasks we should not do, and others that
we should have checked by someone else when we have completed them.
MITIGATING THE RISK
 Make sure there are no conflicts with existing repairs or modifications.
 Fully understand the procedures needed to complete a task.
 Always ask coworkers to check your work.