Aviation Safety Programs Peers Review 1

Provide a classmate review on their discussion topic :

Assess the impact programs such as LOSA, ASAP, and ASRS have had on aviation safety. Why were these programs started, and what did they hope to achieve? In your discussion, analyze the benefits of both direct observation of aircrew (LOSA) and anonymous self-reporting systems (ASAP/ASRS). Determine if there are any potential negative aspects of such programs and why participation was slow to catch on in some segments of aviation. How do these programs relate to airline CRM programs?

 

Classmate post that you need to post comment/ review on :

The Line Operations Safety Assessments (LOSA) program is a formal process that requires highly trained experts to capture data about flight crew behaviors and strategies (FAA, 2013). Utilizing techniques from the Threat and Error Management (TEM) process, LOSA studies performance issues across the industry to detect threats and implement adequate safety risk controls (FAA, 2013).  LOSA observers offer a “neutral, third-party” perspective, which complements other programs like the “pilot’s perspective” from the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and the “aircraft’s perspective” from the Flight Operational Quality Assurance (FOQA) program (FAA, 2013). LOSA’s operational information provides beneficial feedback on the effectiveness of an organization’s training program, policies/procedures, and change management (FAA, 2013).     

     Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) is another accident prevention program created by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) for airlines and other Part 121 operators (Houston, 2019).  Anonymous reports about hazards and safety concerns are sent to an event review committee (ERC) with representatives from the operator, employee group, and the FAA (Houston, 2019).  After conducting root cause analysis, the ERC recommends and implements corrective actions such as SOP updates or additional training (Houston, 2019).  Enforcement action is reserved for events that involve criminal activities, alcohol, drugs, or reckless conduct (Houston, 2019). ASAP is best used for getting third-party insights on safety issues and potential protection from punitive actions (ARC Safety Management, 2020).

     Similarly, the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) collects and analyzes information from safety reports and hazard incidents.  NASA provides funding for this program and uses data to identify system deficiencies and promote research to develop new solutions to safety issues (ARC Safety Management, 2020).  Sanitized reports are forwarded to the FAA and published in the CALLBACK and ASRS Directline newsletters (ARC Safety Management, 2020). 

Why were these programs started, and what did they hope to achieve? Determine if there are any potential negative aspects of such programs and why participation was slow to catch on in some segments of aviation.

     Humans make mistakes, regardless of their education, training, and experience. All three voluntary programs were developed to enhance flight safety by reporting any observed incidents or hazards during flight operations before they cause an accident (ARC Safety Management, 2020).  These improvement-based initiatives encourage operators to self-report and share data about the entire airspace.  Consequently, the information shared in advisories, bulletins, and newsletters provide valuable insight for safety meetings, company training, and the development of new technologies and procedures (ARC Safety Management, 2020).  Participation in these programs may be slow because of improper training, fear of retribution, inconvenience, or program value (Johnson, 2018).  As long as these programs’ focus remains on safety improvements and not punitive action, these programs have no drawbacks.

How do these programs relate to airline CRM programs?

     Airlines use Crew Resource Management (CRM) programs to promote safety and enhance flight operations’ efficiency by optimizing all available resources – equipment, procedures, and people (Skybrary).  CRM is concerned with human factors such as decision making, threat and error management, situational awareness, team cooperation, and communication (Skybrary).  Programs like LOSA, ASAP, and ASRS provide the data, analysis, and recommendations necessary to make informed decisions about the operating environment, enhance training programs, and support continuous improvement (Skybrary).