Aviation Safety Data Systems

Aviation safety data collection systems have evolved and become even more useful as technology has improved. Through the evolution of aviation and the focus on safety, four major organizations have taken on the role of safety data collection. The main four are the FAA, the Research and Special Programs Administration, the NTSB, and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration.

Perhaps one of the most well known by those in aviation is NASA’s Aviation Safety Reporting System. The ASRS is a voluntary reporting system where pilots, controllers, and others can submit accounts of safety-related aviation incidents. This is one of the best ways of data collection because it is voluntary and there is no chance of repercussions in the way of certificate action because of a report. In fact, an entry into the system may help you if the FAA pursues certificate action.

In all of the systems, the number one limitation by all systems is that they cannot gather information on every event. The systems are only as good as the information presented to them. If false or not totally truthful information is submitted, then the data can be flawed and not accurately show a trend that may lead to an accident.

Wells, Alexander, & Rodrigues, Clarence. (2003). Commercial aviation safety. McGraw-Hill Professional.