The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS).(Brief Article)

A Safety Program that Collects, Protects, and uses Incident Data to Improve the National Aviation System (NAS)

In 1974, a Boeing 727 crashed on final approach to Dulles Airport in Virginia. During the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigation, Air Traffic Control (ATC) and cockpit voice recorder tapes discovered the crew was confused over information concerning the approach instructions, specifically from the approach charts and "Clearance for the approach" by ATC. It was later discovered that another airline had experienced a similar chain of events, but they detected the error and increased their altitude. This corrective action allowed them to miss the oncoming mountain, hence becoming an incident rather than an accident. A difference that is critical for longevity.

Information about this near collision/near disaster spread rapidly in this airline, but did not reach other airlines. As a result of NTSB findings, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) created the Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) in 1976. This cooperative safety program invites pilots, controllers, flight attendants, maintenance personnel, and others to voluntarily report to NASA any actual or potential hazard to safe aviation operations. The FAA provides most of the program funding. NASA, "the honest broker," administers the program, assures confidentiality, sets policies in consultation with the FAA and aviation community, and receives and analyzes the submitted reports.

Purpose

The ASRS operates under two mandated purposes: First, it identifies deficiencies and discrepancies in the National Aviation System (NAS). Second, it provides data for planning and NAS improvements by enhancing the basis for human factors research. It also allows recommendations for future procedures, operations, facilities, and equipment.

Over the years, the aviation industry has learned many valuable lessons from this reporting system, without bent metal and the loss of life. The evaluation of these reports, describing specific incidents, is used to provide information to airlines, the FAA and others, to determine major issues, identify potential problem areas and create solutions to prevent accidents.

Protection Features

The FAA offers incident reporters two important guarantees: confidentiality and limited immunity. The FAA is willing to offer these guarantees because of its value to mishap prevention and products obtained through the program.

* Reports are held in confidence. More than 490,000 reports have been submitted without a single reporter's identity being revealed. ASRS removes all personal names and other potentially identifying information before entering reports into the database.

* Reporters receive limited immunity. The FAA will not use information that has been filed with the ASRS in an enforcement action, and will waive fines and penalties for unintentional violations of federal aviation regulations (FARs) that are reported, as long as violations are reported within 10 days of the occurrence. However, accidents and criminal activities are not protected from enforcement actions.

But... When In Doubt, Fill It Out!

ASRS Report Submission

Reporting forms have been prepared specifically for intended users. Four different forms in the NASA Ames Research Center (ARC) 277-series are currently available.

1. ATC Form (NASA ARC 277A)

2. General/Flight Crew Form (NASA ARC 277B)

3. Cabin Crew Form (NASA ARC 277C)

4. Maintenance Form (NASA ARC 277D)

The NASA forms are preaddressed and postage-free. Alternatively, there is a website to obtain these forms: http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/forms_nf.htm.

Search Database

The ASRS database is available for search requests, research studies, and topical safety interest. Santizied information in the ASRS database is available to all interested parties. Individuals and organizations having a need for specific ASRS data will be provided with a set of relevant reports. You can order searches by mail (ASRS, ATTN: Search Request, 625 Ellis St., Mountain View CA 94043) or by accessing the ASRS Internet site (http://asrs.arc.nasa.gov). The current database includes reports submitted from 1988 to the present. Earlier years are archived. Additionally, the database is available through a private company on CD-ROM and on the Internet through the FAA, Office of System Safety, and National Aviation Safety Data Analysis Center (NASDAC).

What's In It For You?

OK, what does any of this have to do with military aviation? There is nothing preventing military aviators, maintainers, or other military personnel from submitting reports. After all, we share the NAS with our civilian brethren. While military reporters do not need the immunity afforded by ASRS (USAF personnel can submit High Accident Potential [HAP] reports through their Flight Safety Office), some incidents may be appropriate for ASRS. We at the Air Force Safety Center hope the protection of confidentiality afforded by ASRS will encourage increased reporting of incidents and conditions that would otherwise go unreported. By helping to identify trends before they become mishaps, you can positively influence the course of safety in the USAF.

Conclusion

It is the experience of the ASRS that a voluntary, confidential, non-punitive incident reporting system is a logical and effective means of acquiring unique data, as well as supplementing information obtained from conventional accident investigation techniques and other system monitoring programs. If you have any questions, contact MSgt Elliott at DSN: 263-2034 or email: elliottj@kafb.saia.af.mil.

Thanks to Ms. Linda Connell, ASRS Director, for her contribution to this article.