Hello all, I was wondering about reporting safety hazards, or making suggestions if you will.

For example, awhile back I flew a night approach into a small airport that didn't have pilot controlled lighting depicted on the approach plate. I sent the airport manager an email, as I was somewhat familiar with the manager and that airport. Soon after the lighting became noted on their approach plates.

I imagine that many pilots notice potential hazards or improvements that can be made, and I wonder what is the best way to make a report or suggestion? Other examples; a suggestion that a taxiway sign be added, or the grass needs to be kept up with better.

I know this is probably a dumb question, but I'll own up to that. Does one fill out a NASA ASRS, or an ASAP even though no violation/near incident occurred? Does one try to email airport management? Just curious about what experiences other pilots have found to be the best methods in these situations. Thank you.

(Just so everyone knows, I did a google search, I searched APC, and looked in the AIM under Section 6. Safety, Accident, and Hazard Reports.)

 

You should, otherwise no data is ever captured on these things and nothing ever improves. In addition, if something is out or broken, call FSS and report it. Another good way is to call your regional faa office, they also route things like that to the proper branch in the geographic area. I've seen these systems work for the positive for things outside of violations/deviations. One issue sometimes is that company/internal reporting systems often don't share this information outside of the company (de-identified or otherwise), so again, nothing ever gets known outside of it.

 

Yes, I use ASAP/ASRS to report stuff when I wasn't at fault. My company has it all online and the ASAP also generates a NASA report so it's pretty easy.

 

Thanks for your time and input!