Analysing ATSB’s event risk classification (ERC) for occurrences in the sector will help you gain further clarity on the sector risk.
ERC scores the potential risk in an occurrence. Analysis of these occurrences shows that the top 5 occurrence types with high and very-high risk potential were:
- near collision (loss of separation)
- air-ground-air (Communication difficulties between aircraft and Air Traffic Control)
- collision with terrain (which is a consequential event)
- loss of control
- engine failure or malfunction.
Safety factors
ATSB applies safety factors to certain occurrences to identify underlying conditions or factors that contributed to the occurrence.
Approximately 32% of occurrences in the ATO-SA sector have safety factors assigned by ATSB.
The 5 most frequent safety factors for the sector between 2014 and 2020 were:
- mechanical discontinuity
- electrical discontinuity
- communicating and coordinating – external
- fracture
- distractions.
But when examining occurrences with an ERC of high or very high, the 5 most frequent safety factors were:
- procedures
- monitoring and checking (aircraft operation action)
- communicating and coordinating – extermnal
- assessing and planning (aircraft operation action)
- aircraft handling.
Strengths and opportunities
The safety performance data shows the sector has its challenges. But it also has several strengths, as identified in the SSRP workshop:
Opportunities
- Mentoring
- SMS education
- SMS implementation
- Supporting remote aerodromes – sharing knowledge and experience
- Developing / upcoming aircraft technology
- Engagement with local GA community – share knowledge, build awareness of safety issues.
- Industry support for aviation careers development
- Association promotion of aviation careers.
Strengths
- Existing operational experience resources
- Communication between operators, within organisations and through associations
- Adoption of industry safety programmes – often at higher than regulatory standard.
- Well-defined sector with common purpose.