Shift and task turnover are critical periods in aircraft maintenance activities because workers relay crucial information for ending a shift and starting another. This can also apply to an exchange of task information within a shift. Efficient and effective turnovers require adherence to policies, procedures, planning guidelines, teamwork, and effective communication practices.

The classic challenges associated with fatigue, distraction, false assumptions, personnel conflicts, cultural prejudices, and failure to properly document can negatively affect the quality of shift turnover as well as task turnovers within shifts. Events have shown us that inadequate information exchange during shift and task turnovers can have serious consequences.