Sky High Airlines Safety Program - Essay Example

 Sky High Airline Safety Program Abstract The accomplishment of a safe and secure system is the main concern in aviation industry. However, safety actions are not only driven by facts and statistics but also by the perception of safety needs by the public. Acceptable safety risk is associated with the trust attributed to the aviation safety system, which is undermined every time when an accident occurs. Therefore the challenge is to gain an already low accident rate even lower. To guide its work, Sky High Airline has established the following safety program with the objective that it must be an approach to generate an effective risk control process. This process will help the organization analytically to execute safety information, both proactively and reactively, in order to develop safety plans, programs and specific actions that get results in terms of reducing risk.  In other words, with the help of this program, the risks will be identified systematically and authorities will be able to come to a decision whether to accept, reduce, or eliminate them as well as looking at the results of their decisions to make sure that intended results are obtained.  1. Sky High Airline Safety Program Sky High Airline establishes policy, responsibilities, and guidelines with procedures to ensure the safety of personnel and equipment and the safe conduct of aviation functions and activities. Safety is a line management responsibility; therefore, this program provides line management oversight of Sky High Airline. Aircraft operations will be conducted under the cognizance Sky High Airline safety organization and no aircraft or experiment will be committed to flight without a valid safety permit or appropriate safety approval. It is the intent of this safety program to comply with all applicable Sky High Airline directives and other governing instructions. Objectives Main objectives of Sky High Airline Aviation Safety Program are to operate aviation services by: (a). Completing all aviation missions safely and without mishap. (b). Conducting planning processes that comply with the National Aviation Safety and Mishap Prevention Plan. (c). Investigating mishaps and hazards and developing corrective prevention measures for the purpose of accident prevention. (d). To minimize human exposure to hazards through implementation of effective risk management techniques. (e). To eliminate loss of life, suffering from injury or impairment. Policy Sky High Airline keeps the following policy on aviation safety. (a). Ensure that Sky High Airline aviation programs and operations comply with applicable Federal and State laws, regulations, and standards for aviation safety and for reporting and investigating accidents and incidents. (b). Only use safe operations and equipment. No procure or use of aviation equipments, methods, or techniques that may adversely affect the safety of operations. (c). Promptly report each aviation accident, incident with potential, aircraft incident, and aviation hazard. (d). Do not use pilots or aircraft that are not approved for Sky High Airline missions. (e). Remove all pilots involved in an accident or incident with potential from all flight duty until returned to flight status in accordance with standard operating procedures. (f). Conduct aviation safety briefings and a risk assessment prior to any aviation mission by: (i). A person responsible for the mission or, (ii). By the pilot in situations where the pilot may be the only official present, as part of the normal preflight activities, such as dispatch, weather, and flight plan briefings. 2. General Safety Culture in Aviation Industry Safety Culture or climate may be thought of as the organization’s collective norms, standards, perceptions and behaviors with respect to safety. Management’s fostering of a positive safety culture is critical to any effective safety program. The following concepts and actions are elements of a positive safety culture: (a). Unqualified commitment to safety as a behavioral pattern and pervasive way of life by top management. (b). Unambiguous expectations by each level of management as well as for all employees of each peer group that, safe life patterns and work habits are as normal as breathing and must be practiced off the job as well as on the job. (c). Clear, easily understood operating procedures, followed without deviation. Inclusive system of communications for collecting, analyzing, and exchanging incident data related to safety. (d). Availability of quality and standard equipment to accomplish the assigned tasks. (e). Peer acceptance that accidents are preventable, regardless of operations. (f). Retraining without penalty or stigma when safety is involved. (g). System for tracking incident and accident data, analysis of trends, and feedback of results. 3. Sky High Airline Policy Statement on General Safety Policy The Flight Safety Department is committed to the prevention of injury and illness to all personnel working in its facilities. The organization is also committed to injury and illness prevention to organization personnel and to the prevention of resources damage or other loss caused by the action or inaction of outside contractors. (a). Sky High Airline safety programs exists to improve operational readiness by preserving human life and material resources. For this program to succeed, strict adherence to standard operating procedures, established maintenance practices, and Sky High Airlines directives are required. (b). The goal of Sky High Airline is to offer its high standard services to public and accomplish each task professionally, with zero injuries, incidents, or mishaps. (c). Standard operating procedures of Operational Risk Management will be used in all levels of planning. The most important link in the safety chain is the inclusion of each and every member of the organization. Each member of this command is empowered to call a halt to any evolution perceived as unsafe. (d). All individuals of this organization is assigned the task to identify probable hazards and eradicate them before they create accidents. In no case should anyone fear reprisal or second-guessing when acting in the interest of safety. (e). The Sky High Airline will ensure the provision of safe and sound working environment and that all entities to meet the desired requirements for safety and health. The safety units will continuously educate, train, and monitor the overall safety program for full compliance. Scope This policy applies to all contract personnel authorized by the Flight Safety Department to perform limited-term project work for hire in organizational premises. 4. Policy Statement on Operational Risk Management (a). Operational Risk Management is the application of systematic evaluation and planning to make Sky High Airline’s operations safer and more effective. This concept works when each individual identifies the risks in all endeavors and then make efforts to reduce these risks to acceptable levels to achieve the goals. (b). In Sky High Airline, operating safely by managing risk means the acceptance of risk only when the benefits will outweigh the cost, it means accepting no unnecessary risk as well as anticipating and managing the risks by planning. Applying the Operational Risk Management process, all units reduce mishaps, lower costs and provide for more well-organized use of previous resources. (c). The Flight Safety Department will provide education and training, and monitor the implementation of Operational Risk Management. (d). Members of this organization are expected to have clear concept and familiarization of Operational Risk Management and they are expected to practice these concepts on regular basis. Managers and supervisors must be proactive in their measurement of risk and reduce it to all extent possible. No procedure and mission of Sky High Airline, either on the ground or in the air, is worth the price of personal injury. 5. Organizational Structure of Sky High Airline for Aviation Safety Program Sky High Airline has an effective network to implement its safety strategies at all levels of the organization. The Flight Safety Department is generally responsible for the implementation of safety essentials at all operation centers. The FSD’s of Sky High Airline are manned, at a minimum, by an Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) who must be qualified from flight safety school. The ASO shall be designated in writing by The Chief Executive of Sky High Airline who is overall responsible for aviation safety program. In addition, an active duty petty officer shall be assigned full time duty as the Flight Safety Petty Officer. Organizational chart of Sky High Airline is as follows: Aviation Safety Officer The Aviation Safety Officer is tasked with the overall responsibility for development and implementation of the Flight Safety Program of Sky High Airline. Aviation Safety Officer (ASO) reports directly to the Chief Executive on all safety issues and also serves all levels of the organization as an advisor on safety matters. Specific responsibilities include: (a). Develop and implement safety programs for organization personnel to ensure a safe and healthful work environment. (b). Advise management of recognized hazards and unsafe/unhealthful working conditions. (c). Periodically assess Safety Program’s effectiveness and compliance. (d). Update Safety Program as necessary to maintain regulatory compliance. (e). Perform annual facility safety audits. (f). Perform hazard assessments for the purpose of recommending engineering controls, administrative controls, air-traffic controls, weather updating and personal protective equipment. (g). Evaluate available training resources. Advise management concerning training requirements, methods, and sources. (h). Disseminate safety-related information. (j). Process Hazard and Incident Reports for the purpose of identifying and eliminating or mitigating workplace hazards. (k). Maintain Hazardous Substance Exposure Reports. (l). The Aviation Safety Officer is responsible for the coordination of any training for office personnel required under above mentioned policy. The Aviation Safety Officer also assists the Project Director in the monitoring of contractor activities pursuant to this policy. Aviation Safety Petty Officers Safety Representatives may be designated among Sky High Airline personnel to perform supplemental duties in support of the Safety Program. Specific responsibilities include: (a). Act as the Aviation Safety Officer’s representative at the respective unit. (b). Fulfill unit safety training and record-keeping requirements. (c). Advise the management on safety-related issues. (d). Disseminate urgent and routine safety information to concerned personnel. (e). Assist the Aviation Safety Officer in conducting periodic Safety assessments. (f). Analyze identified hazards for the purpose of eliminating or mitigating risk to organization personnel and resources. Aviation Safety Council The Aviation Safety Officer or his representative will attend the Sky High Airline’s Central Quarterly Aviation Safety Council meeting. As an active member, he will submit agenda items to the Chief Aviation Safety Officer, which are beyond the control of his units. He will maintain a two year file of meeting minutes. All offices of Sky High Airline will conduct monthly Aviation Safety Council meetings in conjunction with offices head meetings. Safety topics will be discussed and actions will be decided upon. Unresolved items will be submitted to the Central Quarterly Aviation Safety Council meeting. Safety Committee A Sky High Airline Safety Committee can add materially to an effective loss control program. The basic function of a Safety Committee is to create and maintain an active interest in loss control and reduce accidents. The organization and operation of a safety committee gives employees a greater opportunity to participate actively in loss control. Each unit is to establish a Safety Committee. Safety committee membership varies depending on needs. Safety committees consist of a management representative, supervisors and workers. There is to be a representative from each major unit. Membership on the safety committee is for a definite period and must rotate periodically. This gives more employees an opportunity to participate and helps to maintain an interest in the committee. Meetings are to be held monthly. Some of the safety committee activities and responsibilities are: (a). Conduct regular inspections to detect hazardous conditions and unsafe work practices and recommend corrective action. (b). Act as a clearinghouse for all loss control ideas and activities. (c). Study accidents to determine corrective action that can be taken to prevent recurrence. (d). Assist in the development of loss control standards and rules. (f). Conduct promotional campaigns to maintain employee interest in loss control. (g). Individually promote loss control in the area where they work. (h). Records should be kept of committee meetings so that activity can be followed up and management kept informed of progress. (j). Assist new employees in becoming familiar with company practices and rules relative to their safety and the safety of other employees. The Enlisted Safety Committee The Enlisted Safety Committee is co-chaired by the Chief Aviation Safety Officer and the Maintenance Safety Officer. The committee meets monthly as designated by the Chief Executive. Minutes are distributed to every department and work center. Minutes are maintained by the work-centers for 12 months. These minutes are submitted to the Chief Executive, Deputy Chief Executive and Central Quarterly Aviation Safety Council for review. The committee is tasked with the responsibility of considering suitable and pertinent safety matters that will serve to inform all personnel of potentially dangerous situations and periodically review established safety procedures. Follow-up action, if required, is completed before the item is removed from the active minutes. 6. General Safety Programs Management regards an effective safety program as vital in achieving the mission of the Flight Department of Sky High Airline. In recognition of this fact, Sky High Airline is committed to provide a safe and healthful working environment free of recognized hazards for its employees, customers and resources. In pursuit of this goal, an aggressive safety strategy is incorporated into all department activities. Safety is also an individual responsibility and must exist in every one’s thinking, planning, and actions. All personnel are held accountable for fulfilling their responsibilities under this safety program. Compliance with this policy is an integral part of the annual performance appraisal process. The cornerstone of an effective safety program is an active accident prevention system. The organization is committed to eliminate hazards and minimize potential risks through the diligent practice of risk analysis. Hazards and incidents resulting from operational offices are identified at all levels. Conditions and acts posing unacceptable risk are eliminated or changed to prevent personnel injury or illness and property damage or loss. The Sky High Airline will ensure compliance with all regulatory safety requirements through a comprehensive safety program. The Safety Program consists of four major components: (a). A formal accident prevention program, (b). Employee safety and accident prevention education and training, (c). An internal reporting system to allow employees and other personnel to report incidents and recognized hazards. (d). An internal assessment program to monitor the effectiveness of the Safety Program. Major Training Programs Some of major, but not limited, Sky High Airline safety programs are enlisted below. (a). Flight Safety Program This responsibility belongs to every person in Sky High Airline. Each minuteman has the duty to report and correct hazards to flight and ground safety. Aircraft officers exercise sound judgment in flight operations including weather and terrain avoidance. (b). Flight Line Safety Program Line safety is an ongoing program and personnel receive line safety as part of their indoctrination brief. (c). Hearing Conservation Program The Hearing Conservation Program is monitored by the Chief Aviation Safety Officer. He has to ensure that personnel exposed to a hazardous noise environment are tested. (d). Sight Conservation Program The Sight Conservation Program is also monitored by the Chief Aviation Safety Officer. (e). Hazardous Materials Program It is the hazardous material control program for the unit and is referred to for the control and management of hazardous materials. (f). Land and Sea Survival Program Survival lectures are conducted at least annually during routine checks and times requiring heightened awareness. (g). Safe Driving Program A safe driving lecture is held at least annually and as required, especially prior to holiday periods. (h). Traffic Safety Program This instruction describes the Safety Program for automobile and motorcycle operators/passengers. All squadron personnel comply with the requirements delineated in these instructions. (j). Maintenance Safety This program is the primary responsibility of the Quality Assurance Division, Maintenance Safety Officer and Shop Safety Petty Officers with support and guidance from the Aviation Safety Department. (i) Training (both Safety and rate specific) must be completed and documented in training record. All program managers must have completed all required training and certifications. (ii) Pre-brief major evolutions must use the ORM process. (iii). Key personnel should be involved. (iv). Safety meetings must be held and are supported by flight schedules, production and attended by people with a wide range of experience (officers, CPOs, supervisors, technicians, etc.). (v). Conduct of culture that encourages approachability and discussion on maintenance builds better team communication and a safer program. (vi). Dedicated, permanently assigned (for at least a year) a Flight Safety Officer (FSO) and an Aviation Safety Officer (ASO). (k). Personal Safety Program Every member of the all the units will be a safety supervisor for themselves. They must be alert to unsafe practices or work conditions and will report these occurrences as required, via Hazard Reports or OHR's. (l). Home Safety Program Unit personnel receive home safety briefs through newsletters, and bulletin boards. The Chief Aviation Safety Officer procures and distributes this material. (m). Safety Stand-downs Annual Safety Stand-downs will be conducted as directed by the Chief Executive. They should cover a wide range of safety related topics to include home/fire, maintenance/work-center, flight safety topics and traffic and recreation safety. 7. Standard Operating Procedures All aviation operations of Sky High Airline are conducted in accordance with all applicable FAR, local and national laws, manufacturers’ aircraft manuals/limitations and the Standard Operating Procedures. Aircraft are operated in an airworthy condition at all times. Aviation personnel are expected to utilize sound and conservative judgment in their approach to their duties. Safety is the primary objective of the organization. 8. Aviation Safety Education Program Objective To provide comprehensive and integrated aviation safety training program that supplements operational and developmental training efforts leading to better safe operations in Sky High Airline. Policy Integrate aviation safety training with cooperators’ training to the extent practicable. (a). Make internal aviation safety needs a priority. (b). Sky High Airline Aviation Safety policy is to promote guiding principle for the development, content, and delivery of all aviation training. (c). The Interagency Aviation Training (IAT), Education, Qualifications, and Currency System is the key to establish safety standards and qualifications to perform aviation related tasks. (d). Conduct and provide professional and technical training for employees and cooperators. (e). Provide training for contractors. If the Sky High Airline elects to make training available to contractors, the training will generally consist of topics that enhance aviation safety and accident prevention in the organization’s mission and operations. (f). Develop and implement plans for the identification of aviation safety training needs specific to the mission of each operating unit. Training Responsibilities The training department maintains a comprehensive safety training program for all flight, maintenance, operation, and administrative personnel. The ASO is responsible for providing information and training to all personnel concerning their responsibilities under the Safety Program. Chief Executive is overall responsible for the development and implementation of flight-related training programs that will include, but not be limited to: (a). Flight crewmember ground, simulator and flight training, as required. (b). Flight crewmember emergency and survival training. (c). Maintenance technician training. (d). Operations and flight dispatch training. (e). Organization safety training. (f). Emergency Response Plan training, as applicable. (g). Management and self-improvement training. Training Programs Presently Sky High Airline is emphasizing on the following training programs. (a). An Aircraft Mishap Board (AMB)/ Watch Personnel Sky High Airline is maintaining an Aircraft Mishap Board (AMB) and watch personnel. The AMB receives semi-annual training while watch personnel get periodic training through watch-standing indoctrination and safety briefs. (b). Personnel Training This training is an ongoing program and starts when an individual is checked in the unit. Safety training includes shop safety lectures, units’ safety training, safety stand-downs, line safety lectures as well as Phase I and Phase II Safety training. 9. Safety Surveys Safety surveys will be conducted by Sky High Airline at least annually and prior to every Change of Command. The survey will be internally completed by the Aviation Safety Officer or another officer assigned or approved by the Chief Executive. An externally completed survey by the Quarterly Aviation Safety Council will meet this requirement. The Aviation Safety Officer will conduct quarterly Quality Assurance (QA) audits and monthly reviews of audits conducted by the QA division. As per directives, the Aviation Safety Officer will submit Safety Surveys to the Chief Executive. The Chief Aviation Safety Officer will conduct work-center and hangar safety surveys and submit them to the Chief Executive via the Aviation Safety Officer and appropriate department heads. 10. Ordnance (a). Sky High Airline ensures that all processes are conducted in accordance with command-approved standard operating procedures (SOP). Complete understanding and strict compliance of specified safety regulations are necessary to eliminate unsafe acts and conditions that cause preventable mishaps. Failure to follow procedure continues to be the number one nemesis of explosives safety. Intrusive leadership is must. (b). Good housekeeping of magazines, magazine areas, operating buildings and all other buildings within operational areas of Sky High Airline and must be kept orderly at all times. A high standard of cleanliness and order is one of the most important factors in fire prevention. (c). Up-to-date ordnance publications, technical manuals, safety manuals, instructions, and other pertinent data that cover all ordnance material and safety related topics must be applicable to that activity. References http://www.safetycenter.navy.mil/toolbox/modelprogram.htm MIL-HDBK-5. (1990). Military Handbook. Metallic, Materials and elements of Aerospace Vehicles Structures. NASA. (1999). Aircraft Operations Manual. Glenn Research Center Cleveland, OH. NASA. Research Flight Operations and Airworthiness Procedures.Glenn Research Center Handbook. Wells, Alexander & Rodrigues, Clarence.(2004) Commercial Aviation Safety - 4th Edition. 335-336 Wood,Richard. Aviation Safety Programs (3rd. Ed). A Management Handbook.101 – 115. Read More