When I sat down to do this blog, I was planning on continuing the discussion we have had related to an association for technicians. Instead I will put that on hold for the moment, but please continue to provide the excellent input that has been offered to date and thank you for that.
Today I came across an article indicating ICAO, the U.N. Agency that sets standards for air transport, is drawing up new safety rules to take into account pilot fatigue. For years safety organizations and pilot unions have been politicking for more stringent regulations and working hour and rest period enforcement.
The article states ICAO is preparing to abandon the current rules based on flight time limitations in favor of a new concept known as “fatigue risk management systems.†Fatigue is defined as decreased ability to function due to mental or physical stress. Symptoms include longer reaction times, short-term memory loss, impaired judgment, and reduced visual perception.
I suggest that ICAO take this opportunity to study and apply the similar consideration to maintenance worker hours. Certainly the fatigue factors indicated above are applicable to the maintenance worker.
I know of no standards of rest for maintenance personnel despite the fact that this work is crucial to safety. Maintenance workers often work long hours of continuous mental and physical strain many of which are in inclement weather and other conditions. Additionally, the ergonomic conditions are not always the best to perform the work. These factors will result in a decreased ability to work well.
I know this position will not be popular in the management area but I submit to them that a well-rested aviation worker will do the job in such a way as to maximize the safety of the aircraft and, this is important, the job will be done more efficiently and effectively, adding to the bottom line of the business.
If you agree then someone or something needs to take the cause to ICAO while they have the subject open. This gets back to perhaps the need for a viable association, but more on that later.
Please also read AMT’s current online feature article “FATIGUE: The need for safety never tires†for more on how fatigue affects the aircraft maintenance worker.