A formação de mecânicos de manutenção aeronáutica e a segurança de voo

Abstract

The airline industry worldwide has brought great benefits to society, affecting the economic, social and environmental sustainability, including the most diverse and cultural people around the world. This has been reflected by the increased new aircraft sales each year, and the flight safety is one of the most important and challenging factors to achieve and keep the trust of the users and the perpetuity of this transport. The flight safety is associated with both aircraft manufacturing and maintenance, where the maintenance technician plays a key role. Training and upgrading of the professional regulation and education involve theoretical and practical knowledge, which should be given special attention to human factors and ways to prevent human errors for incidents and accidents in aviation. Despite its importance, this issue has not been investigated like it would be, especially in Brazil. The objective of this research is to analyze the current situation of aircraft maintenance mechanics training with emphasis on flight safety, using an exploratory method. The results point to an increased trend of incidents and accidents in this transport sector, including the factors associated with human failings; and to the relevance of place greater emphasis on flight safety into Brazilian regulations that standardize the graduation of airplane maintenance mechanics. It has been also recommended that the curriculum and other requirements for such training be compatible with the technological innovation speed for new and old airplanes. Increased collaboration between companies and schools can also bring benefits and the regional maintenance center of Sao Carlos, Araraquara and Ribeirao Preto has potential for that. It is also suggested that such revision on the Brazilian national regulations has as reference some consultations with people involved on this market, taking into account relevant international regulations.