CRM Teaching Qualifications

bjohnson_at_ccmailgate.galaxyatl.com
Thu, 10 Oct 96 08:37:44 EST

More than one airline has recently asked me 1) How to determine the
optimal credentials for an internal staff member or outside provider
to develop and deliver a course on Human Factors in MAINTENANCE. They
also asked 2) What course units/topics should be covered and for what
duration. My "knee jerk" reaction was to offer my resume and IATA
course outline. Instead, I offered to think about it and "get back to
them".

The question is tough. The answer is difficult. I seek your suggestions.
Here is my initial thinking:

Credentials might include:
Airline maintenance experience,
FAA technician and/or pilot certification,
Human Factors-related formal education and advanced degrees,
Publication record,
Research and development experience,
Demonstrated knowledge of human error literature and reporting
systems,
Formal psychology education
Most of these credentials can be assessed via a resume and do not
necessarily ensure a quality course.

In my opinion, however, there are a few credentials/attitudes that are
absolutely essential. They are:
Extensive teaching and presentation experience
Course leader must be a communicator foremost
Person be able to listen, as well as he/she speaks
Person must be able to stimulate group discussion
Person must be able to bring a variety of stories and experiences that
can be used to make a point
Course leader must bring an understanding of emerging technologies to
foresee likely changes to the aviation maintenance work environment.
Person should know the Science of Human Factors and be able to apply
it to airline maintenance.
Person must be practical.

Airline maintenance personnel don't want an advanced degree from the
course - they want to do their job more effectively and efficiently
with safety in the workplace and with the finished airworthy product.
They want to enhance their individual and team performance.

The second question, stated above, refers to course content. What
should a maintenance human factors contain? Please use this forum to
"Fill in the blank"

Thank You

William B. Johnson, Ph.D.
Vice President
Information Division
Galaxy Scientific Corporation
770-491-1100