Implementing the REPAIRER Human Factors Safety Reporting System Through MRM(MxHF) to Meet SMS Compliance in Aviation Maintenance

Reiterating the importance of having a human factor related safety reporting system for aviation maintenance to reduce human error and utilizing it to gain SMS compliance, the REPAIRER method of identifying and reporting human factors hazards in aviation maintenance is reintroduced. How and why the REPAIRER method system is of such importance in the implementation of aviation maintenance safety programs can be linked to the success and evolution of maintenance resource management and human factors programs which have been effective in reducing human error in aviation maintenance. These programs are rooted in effective communication methods, as well as the identification of human factor elements. To illustrate this point, the successes of maintenance resource management are discussed. Additionally, the incredible strides that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has taken to propel a human factors-centered safety program in aviation maintenance are brought to light with the FAA’s latest transition of MRM (Maintenance Resource Management) to MxHF (Maintenance Human Factors). This newly appointed program, which replaced a decades old FAA MRM program, highlights the significant changes in MRM, notably the emphasis on human factors. Given the significant shift from MRM to MxHF, the authors explore the implementation of the REPAIRER aviation maintenance reporting system under the new guidelines and demonstrate how it could fulfill many of the desired outcomes of both programs, while still gaining SMS compliance.