Draft Advisory Circular Published For Review, Comments

The FAA is encouraging air carriers, aviation repair facilities and aviation employee associations to review a draft Advisory Circular (AC) on the highly successful Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) for employees. The AC clarifies best practices and provides the airline industry with new processes, concepts and definitions that will provide for the continued success of ASAP.

Voluntary reporting programs have contributed significantly to the nation’s impressive safety record, improved training, oversight, as well as operational and maintenance procedures. Established in 1997, the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) encourages air carrier and repair station employees to voluntarily report safety concerns, as well as actual or potential violations of regulations. This voluntarily submitted information may help identify risks that may be precursors to accidents. Under ASAP, safety issues are resolved through corrective action rather than through punishment or discipline.

An ASAP is based on a safety partnership that includes the FAA and the certificate holder, and usually includes a third party, such as the employee's labor organization. In addition to other reporting programs, ASAP can be an integral component for an effective Safety Management System (SMS). Today, 106 operators have 275 programs covering pilots, mechanics, flight attendants, dispatchers and other diversified groups. 

Comments must be received by November 4, 2014.

FMI: Draft AC