A study selected aviation accidents
in the Unites States between 1996 and 2003 indicates that managerial issues and regulatory failures are classified as probable causes with 17% and 12%, respectively (Holloway and Johnson, 2003).
The ICAO’s working paper (2006)
recommendation was to use a more proactive approach to prevent
accidents. The proactive approach includes a more scientific
approach to risk assessment, human factors
In order to develop a generic model to evaluate safety in maintenance
activities, it was necessary to take into account experience
from different industries including the aeronautical industry. Hale
et al. (1998) presented a model to evaluate safety in maintenance
management. This maintenance management model consisted of
three levels (i) policy, (ii) planning and procedures and (iii) execution
and feedback. The model enabled an evaluation to be made
of how safety is managed at all levels from the formal establishment
of a safety policy through its application on other levels. The
model took into account risk identification and management for
single maintenance and combined maintenance tasks. A theoretical
model, an audit checklist and a questionnairewere developed to
evaluate safety aspects in the management of maintenance. Some
results from Hale’s study that are relevant to AIBN maintenance
study are:
• The model indicates maintenance levels and essential elements
that should be taken into account to assess the management of
safety. These elements are policy, corrective and preventive maintenance,
modifications, maintenance tasks, engineering orders,
inspection program, scheduling, planning and execution of maintenance
work, reporting and analysis.
• General weaknesses regarding the translation of a safety policy
to the other level in the middle maintenance concept, design,
planning and resource management.
• A warning to management to pay attention to the complete line
of communication before “surgery” reduces or hives off departments.