Hybrid multi-criteria decision making approach proposal for evaluating workloads of aircraft maintenance technicians

Aircraft maintenance technicians (AMT) are authorized personnels responsible for the maintenance and repair of aircraft. While performing their duties, they are exposed to both physical and mental loads in a heavy and repetitive manner. In addition, environmental conditions are another important factor affecting their workloads. In order to make the flight safely, it is extremely important to research the workload of AMTs and reduce them when necessary. Total workload assessment can be considered as a Multi-Criteria Decision Making (MCDM) problem, which is based on physical, mental and environmental workload factors. In order to research the total workload of AMTs within the scope of the thesis, Decision Making Trial and Evaluation Laboratory (DEMATEL) method, which is one of the MCDM methods, is used to calculate the weights of the criteria affecting the workload and Technique for Order Preference by Similarity (TOPSIS), which is the other MCDM method, is used to compare AMTs holding 4 different license categories (A, B1, B2, B1+B2). In this study conducted on AMTs working in a line maintenance organization, various criteria affecting the workload were determined by taking expert opinions. As a result of the study, it was seen that the first three factors affecting the workload of AMTs were lower back strain, back strain and time pressure, respectively. According to the data obtained as a result of the study, it was aimed to raise awareness about the workloads of AMTs and the necessary measures to reduce these workloads were presented. Keywords: Aircraft maintenance technician, Workload, Multi-Criteria Decision Making, DEMATEL, TOPSIS