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In the first month of 2024 we look ahead to the many ways we can improve the industry, starting with safety. As a series of runway incursions and incidents plagued 2023, the community looks at how to change the outlook for 2024 and improve aviation safety for all involved.
Every two years the NBAA Safety Committee gathers about 80 experts from different sectors of the industry to review and revise a list of top safety focus areas. The top safety focus areas of 2024 fall into three categories - preventable accidents, unique operational concerns and mitigation strategies. These categories cover concerns like runway safety, fitness for duty, supporting safety expenditures like SMS and human factors. The areas of focus are based on accident data, policy and how the industry handles safety concerns and works to reduce risk.
"These focus areas are based on the latest accident data," said Dan Boedigheimer, committee vice chair and CEO of Advanced Aircrew Academy. "For example, loss of control inflight continues to be the No. 1 cause of fatal aviation accidents."
Addressing Preventable Accidents
Aviation crashes can be preventable and data collected on various aviation accidents, from single-engine pistons to large private jets, show the industry and other pilots what went wrong and what, if anything, could have been done differently to prevent a crash. Loss of control in flight results in more fatalities throughout general aviation than in any other accident category. The consistent and tragic outcomes from LOC-I incidents have made it a targeted issue for safety improvement.RELATED STORIES:NBAA releases guide on reducing runway excursions, to host free safety webinarFAA awards another $121m, calls for runway safety meetings to reduce risk of close callsIndustry leaders talk runway incursions at NTSB roundtableSafety alert issued after series of runway incursions, FAA urges airlines and pilots to take action
Runway safety was in the headlines throughout 2023 as the number of incursions and excursions spiked nationwide, sparking major public concern. Many runway incidents can be prevented by adhering to approach and landing criteria, using accurate runway condition data and understanding and complying with air traffic control clearances. Pilots should pay close attention to airport diagrams and NOTAMs to increase situational awareness and better understand clearances. The FAA has addressed runway concerns over the last year, granting funding to airports across the country to make improvements like adding runway lighting and changing confusing taxiways.RELATED STORY:Controlled flight into terrain- What it is and how to prevent it
Controlled flight into terrain has occurred in over 10 percent of GA accidents and fatalities and continues to be a top four defining event in both Business Aviation and GA crashes. Technology like enhanced ground proximity warning systems and ground collision avoidance systems can be capable solutions but not all aircraft are equipped. Additional safety data reporting still indicates that loss of terrain awareness would have resulted in a fatal crash had it not been for a last-minute decision by the crew. The NBAA said it will continue to raise awareness, push scenario-based training and initiate relevant discussions on technology and the best practices to reduce the risk of CFIT.
Many BizAv aircraft suffer more damage on the ground than in the air. Many of these incidents do not result in injury or loss of life but can be costly or delay or cancel flight operations. The NBAA recommends using mitigation tools like a Safety Management System and enhancing training and procedures to prevent an avoidable incident on ramps or in hangars.
Unique Operational Concerns
There is a greater risk to a single-pilot operation than one with multiple pilots. Single-pilot aircraft are 30 percent more likely to be involved in a crash than dual-pilot aircraft. Single pilot operations are susceptible to task saturation, which can increase the number of errors. The Safety Committee has a role to play in giving pilots the tools and training to safely manage a single-pilot operation.
"Single-pilot operations historically demonstrate significantly greater risk than multi-pilot operations, so they continue to be a focus," Boedigheimer said. "Mental health has become a very important part of fitness for duty. And it's increasingly important for operators to take steps to enable the smooth transfer of knowledge to a new generation of workers."
Human factors contribute to crashes but can describe a wide range of issues. Non-compliance is a significant contributing factor in accidents and incidents. All pilots are required to follow local, state, federal and international regulations, company policies and manufacturer procedures. Failing to follow the rules can have tragic results. The NBAA Safety Committee stressed the importance of understanding the extent of non-compliance in the BizAv community, identifying the factors of non-compliance and developing solutions to eliminate such events.RELATED STORIES:NTSB chair to host mental health summit, shares safety concerns over current systemFAA forms rulemaking committee to examine pilot mental healthNBAA applauds FAA improvements regarding pilots' medical and mental health issuesMental health in aviation - how the FAA is changing views on mental illness
In the wake of a global pandemic, the industry grapples with new life stressors and an increase in the previous typical stressors, adding to operational concern for the BizAv community. There is a growing need to address issues like mental health, fatigue and physical health. These elements remain a part of an individual's fitness for duty. Keeping these factors a priority can help to ensure the health and wellness of individuals in the industry.
Another growing challenge is the significant increase in demand for new professionals. The NBAA said there is a strong demand for 1.3 million new professionals over the next 10 years, including 41,000 BizAv pilots. The industry is evolving and retaining employees is imperative to rebuild a workforce as age limits and retirement heighten the fear of a shortage. The industry must continue to strengthen the workforce and foster careers in the industry, as well as help the new members grow and maintain a high level of safety in a new field.
Mitigation Strategy
In such a safety-sensitive industry, reducing risk is a priority. The FAA has pushed to mandate the safety management system for more operators, like Part 135 and air tours. SMS systems are an important way to maintain safety. By using SMS, BizAv operators can identify and manage risks. Programs like this are being implemented at airports across the country in an ongoing effort to improve industry safety.RELATED STORIES:NBAA says SMS proposal 'misses the mark' for business aviationFAA's new rule requires SMS program implementation at over 200 airports
"The FAA is likely to mandate SMS implementation for Part 135 operators this year, making now the time to get started for those who haven't yet," said Paul "BJ" Ransbury, Safety Committee chair and CEO of Aviation Performance Solutions. "At the same time, an SMS can also bring big benefits to smaller operators. With concise guidance, it's possible to implement an SMS efficiently and cost-effectively. Operators of all sizes and complexities can benefit from a formalized risk-management program that complements and supports their operations."
As programs like SMS are mandated in different types of operations, the NBAA reminds personnel and other resources to support safety managers. Those who are working to improve safety and implement different programs need compliance and support to reduce risk in daily operations. Supporting safety or financial advisors is crucial to mitigating some hazards and emerging risks.
Members of the industry can improve how information is reported. A survey conducted by the NBAA Safety Committee revealed that only 45 percent of association members reported participating in an automated safety data-sharing effort. After recent incidents, some NBAA members have pointed to the prevalence of some common causes in the industry. By utilizing data provided by members of the industry, some incidents and potential loss of life may be prevented. The Safety Committee is developing tools to promote the use and sharing of data among the operators not already doing so. Sharing potential risks and previous experiences can prevent tragedy.