Enhancing Safety Standards in Aircraft Maintenance Laboratories

Abstract

This study assessed the implementation of safety standards in the Aircraft Maintenance Laboratory of Indiana Aerospace University during the Academic Year 2024–2025. Specifically, it examined laboratory conditions, risk management practices, and maintenance safety procedures, identified the common problems encountered by third-year Bachelor of Science in Aircraft Maintenance Technology (AMT) students during laboratory activities, and proposed an action plan to enhance laboratory safety. A mixed-method research approach employing a convergent design was utilized, integrating quantitative survey data with qualitative interview responses to obtain a comprehensive understanding of laboratory safety practices. The study involved 100 purposively selected third-year AMT students who had extensive exposure to laboratory activities. Quantitative data were analyzed using frequency, percentage, and weighted mean, while qualitative responses were examined through thematic analysis. Findings revealed that respondents generally agreed that safety standards were implemented in terms of aircraft maintenance laboratories (WM = 3.93), risk management (WM = 4.02), and maintenance safety (WM = 4.10), indicating satisfactory compliance with established safety practices. However, several challenges remained evident, including insufficient laboratory exposure, outdated references and instructional manuals, inadequate safety drills and demonstrations, limited assessment of hazard identification competencies, and inconsistent demonstration of safety procedures by instructors. These issues may hinder students' preparedness for real-world aircraft maintenance operations despite the overall positive assessment of laboratory safety. The study concludes that strengthening laboratory exposure, updating instructional resources, institutionalizing regular safety training and emergency drills, integrating safety competency assessments, and enhancing faculty development programs are essential to cultivating a stronger safety culture and improving the competence, confidence, and industry readiness of future aircraft maintenance professionals.