The article uses an anecdote of a pilot error and severe consequences to argue that punitive discipline is less effective than proactive safety programs in preventing future aviation incidents.
The Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) allows pilots to self-report safety deviations for root cause analysis and corrective action by an Event Review Team (ERT), granting immunity from certificate action to enhance overall safety.
ASAP at the author's airline has been terminated due to a breakdown of trust between management and the pilot's union, stemming from disagreements over sole-source reporting, the definition of "reckless" operations, and the ERT's unanimous consensus requirement.
The author concludes that restoring trust and reactivating ASAP is crucial as it represents a vital safety net for both pilots and the flying public, which is currently lost.
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.
