Pilot Incident Tracking and Analysis for FAA ASAP Program
We helped the University of Texas implement a suite of tools
at six major airlines to collect, organize and analyze aviation
safety reports. The result was easier report submission for the pilots
and a simplified workflow for managers involved in the program. The common toolset
provides a research tool for the University to discover systemic issues and
improve aviation safety throughout the industry.
Analysis
Over the past five years a growing number of commercial airlines have started
collecting large volumes of safety data through a voluntary, non-jeopardy reporting
program. Referred to as the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) and governed
by a memorandum with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ASAP was developed
to enhance aviation safety through the prevention of accidents and incidents by
encouraging airline employees to voluntarily submit safety related reports.
In response to requests from the commercial airline industry, the University of Texas at Austin
Human Factors Research Project (UT-HFRP) reviewed a large number of ASAP programs.
UT-HFRP concluded that many airlines lacked the tools and knowledge to track and
identify trends in ASAP reports or common factors contributing to reported events.
They also recognized that the airlines needed assistance in managing, categorizing
and analyzing their growing ASAP database. (More information on the program
is available directly from the UT-HFRP)
Implementation
UT-HFRP contracted Seven Simple Machines to design a series of web-based
applications to aid airlines in the collection, organization, review and analysis
of data resulting from their ASAP programs. In our initial phase we developed a web-based
reporting tool for commercial pilots to submit ASAP reports and an application for ASAP
program managers to collect, organize and review these reports.
This suite was developed from a thorough analysis of the workflow process
currently in use at three major airlines, and then enhanced through feedback and
working group meetings with participating and interested carriers. In building the
management and analysis application, we created a rich interface with many of the
advantages of a desktop application, while maintaining the accessibility and ease of
deployment common to web applications.
Results
The response to this program has been overwhelmingly positive from all parties
involved. Commercial airline pilots have found our web-based forms easy to complete
and as a result of the design are able to report more detailed information. Airlines
deploying the solution have seen their reporting rates double. The ASAP
managers are extremely excited about our web-based tools because they simplify a
once-lengthy process of reviewing, organizing, analyzing and
researching ASAP event reports. The Air Line Pilot's Association listed the suite
as one if their ten "Best Practices" for ASAP programs. Most importantly, our development
of a common set of tools for managing ASAP event reports has improved inter-airline
cooperation.
|