Aviation Safety Program History

Aviation Safety Program History



1966

Total accidents: 5,712

Fatal Accidents: 573

Total Fatalities: 1,515


1966 through 1967

FAA researched feasibility of an accident prevention program. The Goal was to reduce the General Aviation Accident rate.

Project 85


1968

Joint program sponsored by the aviation community and Flight Standards.


1968

The General Aviation Accident Prevention Program “GAAPP”

Designed as an aviation education program.


1968

GAAPP was based on the principal that the Aviation Accident Rate could be reduced by placing emphasis on improving attitudes, knowledge and proficiency of airmen


1968

Each General Aviation District Office (GADO) was assigned ONE

Accident Prevention Specialist “APS”

Held the title of: Assistant Supervising Inspector for Accident Prevention


1968 -1970

Two Year Test Program in Central and Southwest Regions.

Central to fill 18 positions

Southwest to fill 13 positions


1968 - 1970

Over ________ Applications received for the 31 positions.


1970 - 1972

After successful completion of the test program, all GADOs in all regions were to have APSs within 2 years.


1968 - 1972

Requirements for being an APS:

•Deep interest and personal convention with regard to safety.

•Positive attitude

•Enjoys working with people


1968 - 1972

Qualifications for being an APS:

•Extensive GA background

•CFI

•Pilot in Business flying operations

•Inspector with expertise in FAA organization

•Effective communicator / teach not talking down

•Discuss errors with pilots w/o scolding/blaming


1968 - 1972

Qualifications for being an APS continued:

•Effective in written communication

•Understanding the primary cause of aviation accidents:

•Human factors

•Mechanical Factors

•Environmental Factors


1968 - 1972

Profiles of the first APSs:

•40 years of age

•Married

•ATR Certificate with extensive CFI experience

•20 years experience with over 8000 hours

•Some were air taxi/charter FBO operators, helicopter, glider and crop dusters


1968 - 1972

APSs specialized training:

•2 weeks of flight refresher

•2 weeks of classroom instruction

•Psychology of human relations

•The best means of stimulating local participation in aviation accident prevention

• Determining trends in aircraft accidents


1968 -1972

APSs specialized training continued:

•Identifying indications of pilot uncertainty or unawareness of unsafe flight maneuvers by pilots

•Correcting improper performance of flight maneuvers by pilots


1968 -1988

APSs Goal:

To Build Pilot Confidence

APSs Responsibilities:

•Spend 95% of their time

•Getting to know the pilots within their district

•Getting to know their flying habits and problems


1988

Changes on the Horizon:

•The traditional approach of the Accident Prevention Specialists “Do It Yourself” one, was deemphasized.

•Growing emphasis on aspects of managing the various resources of the Accident Prevention Program


1988 - 1995

Changed Title:

•Accident Prevention Specialist (APS) title was changed to Accident Prevention Program Manager (APPM).


1988 - 1995

Program Activities Expanded:

•PACE

•Remedial Training

•Increase Counselor Involvement

•More Newsletters and Publications

•Back to Basics Programs I and II


1988 - 1995

Program Activities Expanded:

•Multimedia in Presentations

•Air Carrier Safety Programs

•Considerable latitude accorded to SPM to initiate programs

•Special Emphasis programs

•Poker Runs, Safety Shootout, etc


1988 - 1995

Program Activities Expanded continued:

•Expanded Awards Programs

•Wings

•AMT

•Charles Taylor Master Mechanic

•Aviation Safety Counselor


1988 - 1997

Program Activities Expanded continued:

•Expanded Awards Programs

•General Aviation Awards:

•CFI

•AMT

•AVI


1992

Presented to AFS-300 that Airworthiness Specialties be added to the Accident Prevention Program. Committee formed for feasibility study.


1993

Airworthiness volunteers began until PD’s established.


1995 - 2006

Changed Title:

•Accident Prevention Program Manager (APPM) changed to the Safety Program Manager (SPM).


1997

PD’s approved, along with training courses for the Aviation Safety Program Manager - Airworthiness.


1997

SPM's Airworthiness Responsibilities:

•Focus education on all certified and uncertified airmen, operators, and agencies from a maintenance perspective

•Promote professionalism in aircraft maintenance

•Enhance maintenance awareness the aviation community


1997

APSs Airworthiness Responsibilities continued:

• Establish a national data base of speakers, programs, and other resources

• Develop standardized airworthiness presentations

•Issue Maintenance Technicians Awards


1997

APSs Responsibilities continued:

•Support Inspections Authorization Renewal Training Programs

•Issue Charles Taylor Awards


2001

Mandated by AFS-1 to restructure Aviation Safety Program


Handouts


Safety Program Mission Statement: Promote safety and technical proficiency by providing guidance and support for the aviation community through education and cooperative efforts.

FAASTeam Mission statement: Improve upon the Nation's aviation accident rate by conveying safety principles and practices through training, outreach, and education; while establishing partnerships and encouraging the continual growth of a positive safety culture within the aviation community.


Kevin’s Turn

Documents

Aviation Safety Program History