FAASTeam Maintenance Safety Tip
May 2011
Working to Your Limit
14 CFR Part 121.377 — Maintenance and preventive maintenance personnel duty time limitations, says:
Within the United States, each certificate holder (or person performing maintenance or preventive maintenance functions for it) shall relieve each person performing maintenance or preventive maintenance from duty for a period of at least 24 consecutive hours during any seven consecutive days, or the equivalent thereof within any one calendar month.
Although aviation maintenance personnel typically work long hours, often nights and weekends, they are rarely included in aviation industry programs to fight fatigue (physical and mental). Duty time limits and other efforts to address fatigue typically are intended for flight crews – not maintenance personnel. Even the reference above only applies to Part 121 functions.
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and other Civil Aviation Authorities worldwide recognize the adverse effects of tiredness and fatigue. Some operators and regulatory authorities favor a fatigue risk management system.
Since there are little or no regulatory requirements to limit work hours, especially in general aviation, the ownership is on each one of us as maintenance professionals to prevent fatigue from occurring, thereby preventing maintenance errors from occurring.
How do you manage the risk of fatigue-induced errors? The following suggestions may be helpful:
1. Limit overtime
2. Limit working for other employers (moon-lighting)
3. Conduct a proper handoff when changing shifts
4. Ensure you receive proper rest hours before and after work
5. Be conscious of health issues
6. Be conscious of personal issues
7. Be aware of the effects of alcohol on work performance