The Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) is a crucial safety initiative enabling pilots to self-report operational errors without fear of punitive action, aiming to identify root causes and prevent future incidents through collective analysis and corrective training.
ASAP's effectiveness hinges on a foundation of trust between pilots, airlines, and the FAA, which has reportedly deteriorated at the author's airline, leading to the program's termination.
Key points of contention leading to the breakdown of trust include disputes over using ASAP reports for company discipline, the definition of "reckless" operations, and the requirement for unanimous consensus from the Event Review Team (ERT).
The article advocates for the restoration of ASAP, emphasizing its vital role as an essential safety net for both pilots and the flying public that should not be subject to negotiation stalemates.
The captain of the 767 tilted an ear toward his cockpit speaker. The controller was calling their flight number. The first officer was flying the airplane.
“Transglobal 63, cross two-zero miles south of XRAY intersection at flight level two-five-zero.”
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Les Abend is a retired, 34-year veteran of American Airlines, attempting to readjust his passion for flying airplanes in the lower flight levels—without the assistance of a copilot.
