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First step in being assertive about a rushed repair

Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice question 2 of 16 on Human Factors. ACS element AM.I.L.K5 · difficulty: standard. Want to answer it in a timed quiz? Use the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) practice mode.

Question bank updated 2026-09-22

QUESTIONA technician believes a repair is being rushed to the point of compromising safety. According to the assertiveness guidance in FAA-H-8083-30B, what should the technician do first?

  1. AState the problem directly to the supervisor
  2. BRaise every concern about the job at the same time
  3. CWait for the next shift turnover to mention it
Show the answer and explanation

Correct answer: A. State the problem directly to the supervisor

  • A — correct The handbook's first example of offsetting a lack of assertiveness is to address managers and supervisors directly by stating the problem, such as saying that you have a concern with how the repair is being rushed.
  • B — incorrect The handbook advises dealing with one issue at a time rather than trying to tackle a number of problems at once.
  • C — incorrect Assertiveness means voicing the concern to management directly and promptly; deferring it to a turnover is the kind of failure to speak up that the handbook says has resulted in many fatal accidents.

BACKGROUND

The Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook - General (FAA-H-8083-30B) lists lack of assertiveness among the dirty dozen human factors. Assertiveness is the ability to express feelings, opinions, beliefs and needs in a positive, productive manner, and it should not be confused with aggression. The handbook gives four examples of how a lack of assertiveness can be offset: address managers and supervisors directly by stating the problem, explain what the consequences will be, propose possible solutions, and always solicit feedback and include other opinions. It adds that the technician should deal with one issue at a time and bring documentation and facts to back up the argument.

STUDY TIP

Learn the four assertiveness steps in order and the one-issue-at-a-time rule. Failing to speak up when something does not seem right has caused many fatal accidents, so the expected answer is always to raise the concern directly.

KEY POINTS

  • Assertiveness is expressing concerns in a positive, productive way, not aggressively.
  • Step one is to address the manager or supervisor directly and state the problem.
  • Deal with one issue at a time and back up your position with documentation and facts.

SOURCES

  • FAA-H-8083-30B ch14 "Lack of Assertiveness"
Practice the Aviation Mechanic General (AMG) test →Timed 60-question exam, by ACS area, or review your misses. Free.
MORE ON HUMAN FACTORS

SkyDrill is not affiliated with the FAA. This is an original practice item based on FAA-H-8083-30B Aviation Maintenance Technician Handbook – General, 14 CFR part 43 and part 65. Regulations and handbooks are revised; confirm details against the current edition.