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Survey of Aviation Technical Manuals, Phase 2 Report: User Evaluation of Maintenance Documents
Publications
  • Alex Chaparro, Wichita State University
  • Loren S. Groff, Wichita State University
  • Barbara S. Chaparro, Wichita State University
  • Deborah Scarlett, Wichita State University
Submitting Campus
Daytona Beach
Department
Human Factors and Behavioral Neurobiology
Document Type
Report
Publication/Presentation Date
5-1-2002
Abstract/Description

This report contains the results from Phase 2 of a 3-phase research effort. Phase 1 (Human Factors Survey of Aviation Technical Manuals Phase 1 Report: Manual Development Procedures) of this research effort surveyed the procedures used by five manufacturers to develop maintenance documentation. Several potential human factors issues were identified in the development processes employed by these manufacturers. They included the reactive rather than proactive use of user evaluations, the limited use of user input and procedure validation, no systematic attempts to track error, and the lack of standards for measuring document quality. In Phase 2, a written survey was used to solicit information about user perception of errors in current manuals, manual usage rates, and general manual quality. On-site interviews of technicians were also conducted to gather feedback about the types of problems encountered with manuals, the associated impact, and suggestions for improving manuals. Feedback was obtained from technicians responsible for maintenance on a wide variety of Federal Aviation Regulations, Part 25 aircraft. Survey results revealed that, although user evaluations of the accuracy and quality of technical manuals are generally good, they rate manuals as having poor usability. Comparing the results of Phase 1 to the Phase 2 results supports the need for a higher level of user involvement during the document development process.

Location
Washington, DC
Paper Number
DOT/FAA/AR-02/34
Number of Pages
34
Additional Information

Dr. Alex Chaparro and Dr. Barbara Chaparro were not affiliated with Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University at the time this report was published,

Citation Information
Alex Chaparro, Loren S. Groff, Barbara S. Chaparro and Deborah Scarlett. Survey of Aviation Technical Manuals, Phase 2 Report: User Evaluation of Maintenance Documents. (2002)
Available at: http://works.bepress.com/barbara-chaparro/68/