Aviation Maintenance human factors research has the overall goal to identify and optimize the factors that affect human performance in maintenance and inspection. The focus initiates on the technician but extends to the entire engineering and technical organizational and all personnel involved in the endeavor. Research attention to personnel can include selection, qualification, training, motivation, health, professionalism, and the variety of human capabilities and limitations that affect efficient and safe maintenance task performance. The research considers many aspects of the work environment including both the physical and social aspects of the organization. The complexity of technical communication is an example of such research. The diversity of maintenance and inspection activity is unlimited. Thus the research attends to each and every action preformed by individuals, teams, departments, and the collective organization. With a view of people, the environment in which they work, and the actions they perform a final focus is on the resources necessary for efficient and safe work. Research related to resources includes studies on the design of documentation and procedures, selection of tools, equipment, buildings, applications of advanced technologies for maintenance and inspection. The maintenance human factors research combines critical basic scientific understanding of human performance with applied studies conducted in cooperation with industry partners. The results are solid and proven science, psychology, and engineering delivered in plans, procedures, software, and even hardware that can be immediately implemented to affect efficiency and safety.  Dr. Bill Johnson (bill.johnson-dr@faa.gov) is the Chief Scientist of Aviation Maintenance Human Factors and Glen Gallaway is the research program manager.