Program Overview

Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance

The Human Factors in Aviation Maintenance course provides in-depth knowledge of human factors issues in aviation maintenance. Participants will gain practical skills to manage human error through the application of key theories and tools.

Course Overview

The course offers a broad overview of the nature and management of human error in the aviation maintenance domain. Key theories and frameworks for investigating maintenance human error, contributing factors, and their effects on operations are discussed by scientists and practitioners.

Course Structure

The course covers the following topics:

• The nature of the maintenance environment, including both civil and military environments
• Maintenance management, including organisation, line and base maintenance, planning, maintenance control, error management systems, shift handover, blame cycle, communication in the workplace, workplace environment, and work/job design
• Designing for human factors, including what can be done by the designer to reduce and mitigate human error, design philosophies, and human-centred design
• Human error management in maintenance, including the benefits and challenges associated with the use and application of reporting systems and safety tools

What You Will Learn

Upon completion of the course, participants will be able to:

• Describe the regulatory background and the environment within which aviation maintenance takes place
• Evaluate current methods for maintenance error management (reactive, proactive, and predictive)
• Appraise the links between aircraft maintenance and safety
• Analyse ways in which maintenance errors can be reduced at the design stage

Target Audience

The course is designed for:

• Licensed aircraft maintenance engineers
• Maintenance managers
• Human factors instructors/trainers
• Safety and quality managers (compliance monitoring managers)
• Airworthiness surveyors/inspectors
• Design engineers

Accreditation

The course is part of the MSc Airworthiness program, which is accredited by the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) and the Institution of Mechanical Engineers (IMechE).

Course Details

• Dates: 23 - 27 Mar 2026
• Duration: Five days
• Location: Hybrid
• Cost: ｣2,215 (concessions available)

Concessions

A discount of 10% will apply to the invoice for the course tuition fee for three or more delegates booking from within one site or one organisation. Accommodation fees are not included in the discount scheme.

Accommodation Options

The course is non-residential, but participants can book accommodation on campus or make their own arrangements at a nearby hotel.

Location and Travel

Cranfield University is situated in Bedfordshire, close to the border with Buckinghamshire. The university is located almost midway between the towns of Bedford and Milton Keynes and is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1. London Luton, Stansted, and Heathrow airports are 30, 90, and 90 minutes respectively by car.