Prediction Model for Estimating Performance Impacts of Maintenance Stress

Abstract : An Identification Point modelling tool was constructed to assist Air Force planners to predict the effects of stress upon aircraft maintenance time. Preparedness for the hazard, experience of the maintenance technicians, payoff for performing the task quickly, task complexity, and the need for others to complete the task were combined to produce 32 identification points in the model. The Comparison Based Prediction method was used to obtain information from maintenance experts in industry, Air National Guard experts, and civilian fire vehicle maintainers. The model describes and predicts the effects upon maintenance time of various combinations of the five factors. Future combat conditions may expose maintenance technicians to hazards such as bombs, bullets, and nuclear/biological/chemical (NBC) warfare conditions. The speed and manner of aircraft maintenance task performance under these conditions are critical determinants of how fast aircraft can be returned to combat. The speed at which aircraft can be turned around during normal operations and during simulated surge conditions can be studied and the data used to calculate sortie rates. The study of performance of even routine maintenance tasks in this type of environment must take into account the effects of psychological stress. Because the effects of psychological stress upon maintenance personnel can have a critical impact upon the time needed to return aircraft to battle, the effect of such stress must be addressed. Unless the real and/or perceived stress upon maintenance personnel is accounted for, this important variable may upset all calculations about sortie rates and negate the effectiveness of many formal planning efforts.