Investigation of the Influence of Advanced Aircraft Diagnostics on theTechnological Sophistication of Maintenance Personnel

摘要

The purpose of this research was to determine what effect automated diagnosticsystems will have on the maintenance worker's technological capabilities. Four investigative questions guided the project: 1. What effect has automation of skilled jobs had on workers in the civilian community; 2. What technological and psychological traits have led to success in past military conflicts; 3. What types of technological and psychological traits will technicians have who are heavily dependent on diagnostic systems (For example, to what degree will maintenance technicians be able to improvise when deployed to a combat area); and, 4. What lessons can Air Force maintenance managers learn from the civilian community and past military experience. The study was conducted by performing a literature review of material from both military operational data and civilian data regarding automation and expert systems. Answers to the research questions were inferred from the collective resources studied. The study found that automation has impacted workers' technological capabilities in the past. Additionally, traits of successful technological workers were identified. Guidance helpful to managers and engineers implementing advanced diagnostics is also provided within the research.... Aircraft Maintenance, Automation, Diagnostic Equipment, Expert Systems, Military Modernization, Troubleshooting