Short Description

An introductory microcourse on the human factors that most often lead to errors in aviation maintenance and operations. Using the Dirty Dozen framework, learners learn to recognise error traps such as distraction, complacency, pressure and fatigue, and to understand how situational awareness breaks down.  Self-paced AI-powered adaptive learning, online.

Thematic Area

Other (Cross-cutting themes)

Target Audience

Early career Professionals; VET Learners

Entry Requirements

Basic digital skills required

Learning Objectives

By the end of the training, learners will be able to:
 
Explain why human factors matter for safety in aviation maintenance and operations, and why it is required human factors training.

Recognise the twelve Dirty Dozen error traps and their warning signs.

Describe how distraction, complacency, pressure and fatigue affect their own performance.

Explain how situational awareness is built and how it can break down.

Apply simple safety nets such as checklists, stop-and-check moments and structured shift handovers.

Key Outcomes and Competences developed

Knowledge: human factors principles, the Dirty Dozen, situational awareness, human factors requirements.
Skills: recognise error-prone conditions, apply checklists and procedures, communicate clearly during shift handovers.
Autonomy and responsibility: monitor own condition and working environment and stop work when safety is at risk.
Transversal competences (ESCO): Think critically, Address problems and issues, Interact with others, Work in teams and networks.

Main Contents

Module 1 – Why human factors matter (human error in aviation; human factors requirements)

Module 2 – The Dirty Dozen (communication, complacency, knowledge, distraction, teamwork, fatigue, resources, pressure, assertiveness, stress, awareness, norms)

Module 3 – Situational awareness and safety nets (how situational awareness breaks down; checklists, stop-and-check, shift handovers)

Practical Activities: Scenario-based questions built on typical European maintenance and operations situations, in which learners identify which Dirty Dozen factors are present and select the most effective safety net to prevent an error.

Level of Complexity

Introductory

Delivery Mode

Online, Self-paced

Estimated Workload

2 hours

Instructor

Drillster content development team

Host Institution

Drillster

Certification Type

Microcredential

Endorsement/Awarding Body

WAM - World Alliance for Microcredentials

Indicative EQF Level

N/A

Number of Modules

3

Assessment Methods and Approval Criteria

The trainee must achieve the required proficiency level in the drills presented throughout the course in order to obtain the microcredential.

Training Schedule

1st cohort
Start date: 1 November 2026
End date: 30 November 2026
Registration deadline: 28 October 2026

2nd cohort
Start date: 15 December 2026
End date: 15 January 2027
Registration deadline: 14 December 2026

Although each cohort remains open for approximately one month to provide learners with maximum flexibility, the course itself is designed to be completed within a week, and requires an estimated workload of only 2 hours. The extended access period allows participants to progress at their own pace and complete the required drills at a convenient time.

Language

English