Maybe the biggest thing that can come out of this LOSA is the fact that the pilots have zero trust in the management. That lack of faith is manifested in the above comments and will be evident if there are an abnormal number of guys refusing the jumpseat.

I'd venture the trust level is at a 20 year low. How many of these "leaders" would you follow into battle?

 

Does anyone know the level of refusal of jumpseat to LOSA volunteers?

 

If you hadn't seen it.

ALPA Channel Player > FedEx LOSA

 

If one bothers to do a little "homework" they will find that the Line Operations Safety Audit (LOSA) program has been in existence for years. Having implemented it, as a consultant, at a major carrier, there was some trepidation at first simply because most line pilots didn't understand what the trained observers were doing. Once they had the objective explained to them, saw the completed form, realized that it was completely de-identified and would offer a valuable tool for the Training Department, they embraced it. We found that after about six months, line pilots actually enjoyed having a neutral party give them feedback on how the cockpit was managed and suggestions for improving efficiencies.

Every carrier that has implemented a LOSA program, has had a positive result.

The Advisory Circular (AC 120-90 Issued 4/27/2006) is available on line and does a good job of explaining what LOSA is and does.

G'Day Mates

 

Had one of the first flights last week....it was painless.

Nice observer...he took some notes, but kept to himself throughout the flight...completely non-intrusive...no debrief.

Keep it going!!

 

....Well said!!

 

MX, I believe your perceptions are true to form and no one should be any at all surprised if observers are denied the jumpseat, no matter what the "homework" might reveal.

 

Wouldn't it be great to sit down with the company and have a mediated debrief?

Trust is a huge problem here. Lack of trust and anger leads to poor attitudes. Poor attitudes and fatiguing schedules lead to safety issues IMO. 4a2b was all about trusting the company not to take advantage of poor wording but known intent. The fact that we can't agree to an ASAP program because the company won't give up the right to discipline (like every other ASAP program in the industry has and is the keystone to the program) those that self report safety issues says it all. I hope Joe P can finally get them on board with that. FWIW, I think LOSA is a worthy program and everyone should participate when asked. This is one we got the company to agree on and should show them we can be trusted to follow up on our agreement. Let's do what we can to make FedEx the safe place to fly it once was. LOSA is a good start IMO. Getting the company to see that using computer programs to schedule fatiguing pairings can be unsafe may be the next domino to fall. Let's get some semblance of trust between these 2 groups back on track somehow. When everyone feels like they are on the same team and working together..trust and everything else improves..especially safety.

 

Nice post and well said FreightDawgyDog.

 

First of all, I don't have a dog in this fight as I have never been employed by FedEx, although several friends are/have been. I am however, a very PROUD member of the Former Freight Dogs of America (FFDA) and I still howl at night and miss the midnight sorts....not !

Seriously, the LOSA program does not require a crew debrief; however, in every program I've assisted with, the LOSA trained observer is strongly encouraged to offer comments IF the crew wants to hear them. In the overwhelming majority of LOSA observed flights, when the crew has asked the observer if he has any comments and the observer shares his thoughts and shows the crew the de-identified report, the reaction has been very positive. Remember, it's not a checking or jeopardy event. In de-briefs with corporate officers, it has been stressed that the LOSA program is a tool for the Training and Flight Standards departments and is NOT a vehicle for retribution against any flight crew for ANY action. If that's the way senior management wants to use this valuable tool, I'll be the very first person to say "pull the plug" and cancel the program.

Just my two cents Mates...G'Day