FDX QA Observations
#111
#112
No, Companies have SMS because they are truly interested in improving the safety environment, or they do it because CONGRESS requires the FAA to report to them who has an SMS and who doesn't.
That's also why The Company was so eager to ink those MOUs and LOAs in our pretend contract 3˝ years ago..
That's also why The Company was so eager to ink those MOUs and LOAs in our pretend contract 3˝ years ago..
Of course they do it out of the goodness of their hearts, but SMS is also an international requirement that the US does not (and is one of the few nations not to) currently comply with. Every Canadian airline has an SMS approved by Transport Canada; Airlines in the US do NOT have an approved SMS because there is no regulatory definition in this country and no regulation CURRENTLY requiring it, although the FAA has been promising a reg for some time now. Most airlines participate (to some level) in the FAA VOLUNTARY pilot SMS program; the program material has some definitions for elements of an SMS. For example, you need to have a system to allow employees to report safety concerns in a voluntary/non-punitive and confidential fashion. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE AN ASAP. But most carriers use ASAP for this and when the rule is finished, will use this to satisfy the requirement for their SMS. Likewise, you need to have a system to monitor crew performance in aggregate - LIKE a LOSA, but it does not have to be a LOSA. Based on your posts, your understanding of what and why for SMS is inaccurate.
That said, reiterating that I am in full agreement to try to do cockpit observations without the endorsement and support of the pilots is stupid.
#113
Of course they do it out of the goodness of their hearts, but SMS is also an international requirement that the US does not (and is one of the few nations not to) currently comply with. Every Canadian airline has an SMS approved by Transport Canada; Airlines in the US do NOT have an approved SMS because there is no regulatory definition in this country and no regulation CURRENTLY requiring it, although the FAA has been promising a reg for some time now. Most airlines participate (to some level) in the FAA VOLUNTARY pilot SMS program; the program material has some definitions for elements of an SMS. For example, you need to have a system to allow employees to report safety concerns in a voluntary/non-punitive and confidential fashion. YOU DO NOT HAVE TO HAVE AN ASAP. But most carriers use ASAP for this and when the rule is finished, will use this to satisfy the requirement for their SMS. Likewise, you need to have a system to monitor crew performance in aggregate - LIKE a LOSA, but it does not have to be a LOSA. Based on your posts, your understanding of what and why for SMS is inaccurate.
That said, reiterating that I am in full agreement to try to do cockpit observations without the endorsement and support of the pilots is stupid.
What have I said that is inaccurate? I love source documents -- bring 'em on.
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#114
Likewise, you need to have a system to monitor crew performance in aggregate - LIKE a LOSA, but it does not have to be a LOSA.
So like I say if this is the intent then a LOA or MOU is required so crews know the rules before hand.
So like I say if this is the intent then a LOA or MOU is required so crews know the rules before hand.
#115
Gets Weekends Off
Joined APC: Nov 2006
Position: 767 FO
Posts: 8,047
#117
SMS is not "soon coming" to FedEx. FedEx HAS SMS right now, at this moment, and the 4 FAA programs I've mentioned over and over are part of that SMS. We have MOUs and LOAs for ASAP, FOQA, LOSA, and FRMP. It's not theoretical, it's not maybe someday, it's real and it's now.
The Company's new QA program has nothing to do with those programs, and it is NOT required by either SMS or IOSA.
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The Company's new QA program has nothing to do with those programs, and it is NOT required by either SMS or IOSA.
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SMS Implementation and Practical Considerations for Business Aviation Operators | Universal® Operational Insight Blog
"You can be denied entry into an ICAO country if you do not have an active SMS program. For example, France is currently looking for an “approved SMS” from charter operators (when requesting permits). However, no U.S. operator can actually comply with this, as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is not yet in the business of approving SMS programs. Also, Bermuda has been requesting evidence of SMS for private non-revenue operators. The problem is that there’s no real definition of what a fully mature SMS program looks like, and it’s difficult for anyone to gauge whether you have an effective SMS or not. So, non-compliance issues are hard to predict."
It is not right now, not until the FAA decideds what it looks like and publishes a rule.
You are wrong about your new QA program having nothing to do with SMS. For example the Advisory Circular has four "pillars" or components of an SMS program, one of which is Safety Assurance. I am betting you cannot link me to something that says that the QA program is NOT a part of an SMS, any more successfully than I can link you to something that says it is - which only proves my first point. But nonetheless, if a carrier chooses to use a crappy QA program for the SA, then so be it, they can, they are allowed to, as there is no definition of what it has to be. If they can show an IOSA auditor that the have a Safety Assurance program that is built around this QA thing, that satisfies that requirement.
Which takes me to my last point, which I don't want lost - to do any kind of program without the endorsement and acceptance of the pilots is really stupid. LOSA would be a better choice, on that we agree.
#118
#120
I've been in the Aviation Safety business for a very long time (both military & commercial). I've NEVER heard of a safety evaluation where the results weren't shared with those being evaluation.
I mean ... except for the Enders Report!*?
I mean ... except for the Enders Report!*?
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