REPAIRER Reporting System User Analysis for SMS Compliance in Aviation Maintenance

Abstract

To resolve the issue of human error in maintenance the REPAIRER reporting system is revisited as it has great potential by combining a human factors analysis with a risk management safety reporting mechanism. It is also timely as a human factors centered safety reporting method like the REPAIRER could now be feasibly implemented through the new mandatory FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) FAR 121 requirement to use SMS (Safety Management System) pillars and through the new FAA MxHF human factors training. With the current FAA support in place and the ever growing need to add human factors to combat human error in aviation maintenance, the REPAIRER model would seem attractive to many aviation maintenance organizations. To illustrate this, the researchers’ intention is to take the REPAIRER model to a point of hypothetical use in an aviation maintenance organization to gain an understanding of its potential benefits. To accomplish this, a thorough look at the economic gains were first identified in the form of cost savings through safety and less accidents, but then also in the form of possible efficiency gains. The REPAIRER was then looked at as a tool to achieve employee motivation and gain a just culture. The last area of the REPAIRER added value was the ease of implementing it into various types and sizes of organizations.