Signal Charlie

Everyone can benefit personally and professionally from a structured safety program. Some team members benefit from collaboration with a commercial or miltary safety department, but where does that leave individuals and small groups? Let’s discuss a model safety program and what assets are in place to create your own tailored safety program. I’ll list each major component below and offer some ideas on assets.

A Safety Program consists of four major components:

1. A formal accident prevention program:
You can work with the FAA Safety Team, a collaboration of local program managers, volunteer aviation safety representatives and industry team members. FAASTeam services are funded by tax dollars and complimented by experienced volunteer time and talent. SO… if it’s paid for, why not use it? The critical component of this program is the desire to work together as a team to continuously improve personal and system safety.

2. Team safety and accident prevention education and training: Sign up for seminar notification at FAA Safety.gov Attend a safety seminar and get to know your local safety reps (yes, you have people!).
The Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) offers fantastic online education. Join a local business, pilot, controller, mechanic association. See Links for even more ideas.

3. An internal reporting system to allow Team members to report incidents and recognized hazards:
There are many ways to report hazards. Call the tower or airport manager. Go to the FAA safety website for points of contact or call your local FSDO. Their numbers can be found on their “about” pages. Another excellent conduit is your local safety team rep.

4. An internal assessment program to monitor the effectiveness of the Safety Program.
The Wings Program is a fantastic personal recurrency program. Check it out at FAA Safety Awards Team up with your local FAASTEam reps to develop a buddy system where you periodically crosscheck activities with another colleague.

Governmental regulations require business and commercial aviation to establish employee training programs. Due to the complexities of these regulations, Safety Manager/Officers aid and advise managers and supervisors in identifying appropriate training methods. Consider the FAASTeam to be your personal Safety Representatives and Fly Smart.

Clark