The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) recently launched the Voluntary Safety Reporting Program, providing an additional way for its aviation safety employees to report safety-related issues and concerns.
There are approximately 7,400 FAA aviation safety employees who oversee maintenance providers, manufacturers, aviation medical practitioners, airlines, and flight crews.
Information submitted using the program is confidential and without fear of punitive action. It will be used to validate or verify aviation safety concerns, identify the root causes, and determine the appropriate corrective action.
“We can never be satisfied with the status quo when it comes to safety, and the free exchange of vital information is a cornerstone of safety and continual improvement,” FAA Administrator Steve Dickson said. “We want our employees to know that when they speak up, they can be sure someone is listening.”
The program was developed with union leadership representing aviation safety employees and encourages safety information-sharing programs across the aviation industry.
Voluntary reporting programs have helped decrease the fatal accident rate by 94 percent since 1998. The programs identify and resolve issues before an accident occurs by highlighting safety issues that otherwise may have gone unnoticed.
The continued development of voluntary reporting programs within the FAA addresses congressional requirements.