Proactive flight safety – a feasibility study on optimal use of flight data monitoring and incident reports in an airline

Abstract

Objectives. This study aimed to identify problems with the use of flight data monitoring (FDM) and incident report systems in an airline, present considerations for improvement and suggest a model of how these considerations relate to increased flight safety and lower costs. Methods. Data were collected from information technology systems and interviews with managers in key positions. The study involved identification and evaluation of available sources of FDM and incident reports, interviews with people in positions with ownership of change, relevant perspectives of safety-related challenges and model creation. Results. Problems include the sheer amount of data collected, floor and ceiling effects, arbitrary cut-off points and lack of interconnectivity with other sources. The incident report system has practical problems (user-interface rigidity, online dependency), unclear responsibility for the overall process and disagreement on what requires follow-up, resulting in fewer reports getting written. Put together, detection of dysfunctional patterns is difficult. Conclusion. Simple proactive interventions using the current data and report systems can ensure higher levels of flight safety and lower costs. This begins with ecologically valid FDM providing a basis for efficient identification and handling of incident reports, which enables learning from malpractices and facilitates communication between management and flying staff.