Avionics News November 2012 - 60

THEORY & PRACTICE

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cision the next time. With the dozen magnets, the error reduction path can be difficult for an individual to follow. Each fall, I teach a human factors class designed to help technicians develop personal error reduction habits to blockade the error path. We start with the famous dirty dozen and move to examine models of human error. Along the way, we present case studies to demonstrate how easy it can be to make the wrong choice, or choices. Our post-case study discussions show how easy it can be to make the right choice.

The racetrack model can be applied to businesses, as well. Business owners and managers carry the responsibility to create an environment where errors are difficult to make. They must keep the error reduction exit open, and the error path blocked. A high-pressure and stressful environment tends to block the safety exit while opening the error path. A workplace with many distractions, or a lack of appropriate resources, will do the same thing. In contrast to sports car or NASCAR tracks, this is a racetrack no one wants to travel. All levels of an organization, from the board to the person holding the tools, must work together to avoid the trip. q

AVIATION ACES

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there are just a handful of other AEA member shops in Alaska, but she said that often the only time she sees them is at AEA events. “Still,” she said, “it’s nice to be able to telephone them to confer on something. They are very knowledgeable.” When Windle Beam is not working, she is still a tomboy at heart. “I love to run and hike,” she said. “I play forward on an ice hockey team – it’s a no-checking, no-slapshots league – which levels the playing field. The league is for people who want to have fun and exercise.” As much as she loves Alaska, she also enjoys traveling to cities. She laughs at herself when describing a trip to New York City, where she became the cliché of the tourist marveling at all the skyscrapers. “In Anchorage, the tallest building probably is 20 floors,” she said. “But, I never get tired of Alaska. You see moose and bears, even right here at the airport since it’s near a wooded area. After seeing other cities, I laugh at people complaining about the traffic here. Fifteen minutes out of town, there’s a state park with amazing views, wild flowers and wildlife.” According to Windle Beam, there’s an Alaska saying that you live in Alaska either because you love it or you’re running from something. “I know Alaska isn’t for everyone,” she added. “It can be very remote.” The bottom line for Windle Beam: it’s the people of Era who make her job so enjoyable. The average tenure for most employees is nearly 20 years. “Era has been a great company, and part of the reason it’s so great is the people I work with,” she said. “Without them, the job would not be as fun as it is.” q

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Avionics News November 2012

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of Avionics News November 2012