Program Outputs
ASRS uses the information it receives to promote aviation safety in a number of ways:
- Alerting Messages When ASRS receives a report describing a hazardous situation -- for example, a defective navigation aid, mischarting, a confusing procedure, or any other circumstance which might compromise safe flight -- it issues an alerting message. Alerting messages take a variety of forms but they have a single purpose: to relay safety information to individuals in a position of authority so that they can investigate the allegation and take needed corrective actions. ASRS has no direct operational authority of its own. It acts through, and with the cooperation of, others.
- CALLBACK ASRS distributes CALLBACK, a monthly safety newsletter, to pilots, air traffic controllers, and others. Each issue of CALLBACK includes excerpts from ASRS incident reports with supporting commentary. In addition, CALLBACK may contain summaries of ASRS research studies and related aviation safety information. CALLBACK is one of the ASRS's most effective tools for improving the quality of human performance in the National Aviation System (NAS) at the grass roots level. Editorial use and reproduction of CALLBACK articles, with appropriate attribution, is encouraged.
- ASRS Directline Started in 1991, ASRS Directline was published periodically to meet the needs of operators and flight crews of complex aircraft, such as commercial carriers and corporate fleets. Articles contained in ASRS Directline are based on ASRS reports that have been identified as significant by ASRS analysts. Distribution is directed to operational managers, safety officers, training organizations, and publications departments. Editorial use and reproduction of ASRS Directline articles, with appropriate attribution, is encouraged.
- Database Search Requests Information in the ASRS database is available to interested parties. Individuals and organizations wishing to access ASRS data on a particular aviation safety subject may contact the ASRS with a statement of need. The ASRS will then search its database for pertinent reports and will print, bind, and mail any information applicable to the request. To date more than 6,800 searches have been accomplished in support of government, industry, and academe.
- Operational Support Through frequent communications between the two organizations, the ASRS contributes to the FAA's ongoing safety efforts. The ASRS also supports the FAA and the NTSB during rule-makings, procedure/airspace design efforts, accident investigations, and like circumstances by assembling and digesting relevant information from its database. This is a growing role for the ASRS.
- Topical Research ASRS has conducted and published over 60 research studies. ASRS research has always been designed and conducted with an orientation toward real-life operational applications; most have examined human performance in the NAS. Ways are sought to effect incremental improvements in aviation safety through improved procedures, training, design, etc. Recent subjects of ASRS research include: wake turbulence analysis, digital avionics software and hardware problems, TCAS II incidents, cockpit interactions incidents analysis, airport ramp safety incidents, crew performance during aircraft malfunctions, air carrier return-to-land incidents, use of digital flight data to measure safety and crew performance (APMS), and use of ASRS data in the FAA's AQP program.
