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| | TOC | Change | Preface | Chapter1 | Chapter2 | Chapter3 | Chapter4 | Chapter5 | Chapter6 | Chapter7 | Chapter8 | Chapter9 | AppendixA | AppendixB | AppendixC | AppendixD | AppendixE | AppendixF | AppendixG | AppendixH | AppendixI | AppendixJ | AppendixK | ALL | | |||||
This chapter provides the basic requirements of the NASA Aviation Safety Program and provides guidance for managers and aviation safety personnel to establish/implement their aviation mishap prevention programs. NASA philosophy is that mishaps are preventable and that mishap prevention is an inherent function of leadership and management. NASA`s major involvement in aeronautics dictates a commitment to aviation safety, under not only the Aviation Safety Program but also in technology programs. Aviation safety must be enhanced through a comprehensive and proactive program covering all aspects of flight (Requirement 25269).
7.2.1 The NASA Aviation Safety Program requires aviation safety measures to be in effect at each level of aviation management (Requirement 32427). Under this concept, the director/aviation manager responsible for aviation safety and risk management at each level is assisted by an aviation safety officer (ASO)/manager who is an integral part of the aviation manager`s staff and not part of a separate safety organization. The program is supported by system safety personnel as required. Headquarters safety personnel will conduct reviews (staff assistance visits, safety inspections, and process verifications) to provide insight and monitor management`s effectiveness in aviation safety (Requirement 32428). Headquarters safety personnel will also provide technical and operational assistance to improve the overall safety program (Requirement 32429).
7.2.2 The highly diversified aviation activities within NASA require a tailored Aviation Safety Program for Headquarters and each flight activity (Requirement 32430). The primary responsibility for each Center`s Aviation Safety Program rests firmly with the Center Director (Requirement 32431). The Assistant Administrator for Institutional and Corporate Management is responsible for NASA Headquarters aviation operations. Aviation safety programs shall follow the applicable requirements for each respective flight activity set forth in this chapter and NPR 7900.3, "Aircraft Operations Management" (Requirement 32432).
The NASA Aviation Safety Program is Agencywide, covering several Headquarters Offices and all Centers. To ensure effective implementation, the NASA Aviation Safety Program shall conform to the NASA`s aviation management structure (Requirement 25172).
7.3.1 The NASA Administrator is the senior person responsible for Agencywide aviation safety (Requirement 25173).
7.3.2 The AA/OSMA has been delegated the authority to establish NASA Aviation Safety Program requirements and provide support and independent oversight of NASA aviation safety (Requirement 25174). The AA/OSMA shall provide the NASA Administrator an independent assessment of NASA`s aviation safety status and provide immediate information on critical safety issues (Requirement 32433). The Aviation Safety Panel (refer to Appendix J) is chartered by the AA/OSMA to assist in the independent oversight of NASA's aviation safety
7.3.3 The Director, Safety and Assurance Requirements Division, designates the NASA ASO. The NASA ASO provides overall aviation safety oversight and management support for aviation safety. Through this independent oversight function, the ASO shall ensure that Aviation Safety Program requirements are applied at the appropriate levels of responsibility throughout NASA (Requirement 25175).
7.3.4 NASA ASO shall perform the following:
a. Serve as the Agency independent focal point for NASA aircraft safety issues (Requirement 32434).
b. Provide systems safety oversight to ensure Headquarters and Center aircraft operations comply with NASA safety policy (Requirement 32435).
c. Coordinate all OSMA requirements affecting aviation safety or reporting (Requirement 32436).
d. Ensure there is an effective Agency mishap and incident reporting and corrective action system (Requirement 32437).
e. Identify aviation safety issues through mishap investigation and analysis (Requirement 32438).
f. Serve as ex-officio board member or provide a designee to major aircraft mishap investigations and provide independent oversight and expert guidance in investigation procedures and techniques (Requirement 32439).
g. Participate in the annual NASA ASO meeting (Requirement 32440).
h. Monitor and promote Agencywide awareness of and motivation for the Aviation Safety Program (Requirement 32441).
i. Attend selected program flight readiness and safety reviews (Requirement 32442).
j. Serve as an advisor to the Intercenter Aircraft Operations Panel (IAOP) and participate in IAOP activities, including meetings, reviews, and subpanel activities (Requirement 32443).
k. Develop the NASA Aviation Safety Reference Guide (QS-ASO-92-001) and ensure that it is current and meets the needs of NASA (Requirement 32444).
l. Monitor and act on the aviation safety needs of the Headquarters Enterprise and Program Offices, Aircraft Management Office (AMO), IAOP and its subpanels, and Centers (Requirement 32445).
m. Interface with other safety organizations (Requirement 32446).
n. Advocate aviation safety research (Requirement 32447).
o. Conduct aviation safety staff assistance visits and reviews (Requirement 32448).
p. Coordinate recommendations from mishap investigations that require corrective action from sources or agencies outside of NASA (Requirement 32449).
q. Participate in selected aircraft flight operations (Requirement 32450).
7.3.5 The Assistant Administrator for Institutional and Corporate Management, in accordance with NPR 7900.3, is responsible for policies and other matters related to NASA aircraft management (Requirement 25177). This includes developing guidelines for safe aircraft operations and implementing an Agencywide Aviation Safety Program in accordance with Agency policies.
7.3.6 Enterprise Associate Administrators and Institutional Program Officers have line management responsibility for aviation safety for their respective Centers/flight operations (Requirement 25178). This requires ensuring implementation of aviation safety programs for their Centers, allocating aviation resources to meet objectives/programs safely, promulgating safety awareness, conducting mishap investigations, and developing/implementing corrective action (Requirement 32451).
7.3.6.1 A senior single point of contact for aviation safety and aviation management shall be designated within these offices to provide liaison with the OSMA and the Office of Institutional and Corporate Management (Requirement 32452).
7.3.6.2 Except for NASA aircraft operations that are the function of the Office of Institutional and Corporate Management, the Associate Administrator for Aeronautics manages aviation safety-related technology and research programs.
7.3.7 The Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel (ASAP).
The ASAP was established as an advisory committee to NASA by Section 6 of the NASA Authorization Act, 1968 (PL 90-67, codified as 42 U.S.C. 2477). The ASAP reviews and evaluates program activities, systems, procedures, and management policies and provides assessment of these areas to NASA management and Congress. It is in this role that the ASAP provides independent advice on NASA aviation safety issues to the AA/OSMA and to the Administrator.
7.3.8 The Center Director is the primary NASA official responsible for ensuring the safe operation of all aircraft assigned to the Center, and for establishing and implementing an Aviation Safety Program tailored to the Center`s aircraft/airfield operations (Requirement 25180). They are assisted by NASA Headquarters staff assistance visits and the reports and recommendations of the IAOP and ASAP.
7.3.9 Center aviation manager of flight operations is the senior line person assigned aircraft operations responsibilities (Requirement 25181). The manager depends on the local ASO to identify mishap potential and assist in administering the mishap prevention program. However, the manager cannot delegate the line responsibility for the prevention of mishaps. A manager`s experience, leadership, and philosophy are decisive factors in ensuring safe operations. Aviation managers of flight operations shall ensure the following:
7.3.9.1 Flight rules, regulations, and other advisory material required for safe flight operations are obtained/published and updated, and all personnel comply with them (Requirement 32454). Where local conditions or special mission requirements dictate, special rules/procedures should be established and followed.
7.3.9.2 Restrictions to flight, notice to airmen (NOTAM), weather (WX), and other pertinent information are readily available prior to initiation of flight operations (Requirement 32455). Aviation Managers should not waive any safety requirements set by regulations, NPDs, or other authoritative sources, unless the risk is accepted. In these cases, managers should justify and document their actions in writing, with approval of the Center Director and appropriate Headquarters officials.
7.3.9.3 A crew rest policy is in effect (Requirement 32456).
7.3.9.4 Functional and effective foreign object damage (FOD) prevention and tool control programs are in effect (Requirement 32457).
7.3.9.5 Aerial demonstrations involving NASA aircraft, if conducted, encompass the Center top management`s approval to include flight routines, pilot assignment, training prerequisites, and weather limits (Requirement 32458).
7.3.9.6 Hazardous aircraft maintenance operations, such as fuel cell entry, radar testing, radiographic testing, and high noise engine run-ins, are coordinated with applicable health organizations (Requirement 32459).
7.3.10 Center Aviation Safety Officer.
Although the ASO`s also serve as pilots at most Centers, the ASO position is a primary responsibility. Because the ASO serves as the manager`s focal point for aviation safety matters, this individual should report directly to the senior aviation manager responsible for risk management. The ASO also acts on behalf of the Center Director when discharging this responsibility. The ASO shall foster aviation safety measures and use all resources available to promote mishap prevention (Requirement 25182). ASO selection should be based on education, experience, and ability. Ideally, this individual should be on flight status, be current in assigned aircraft, be a graduate of an approved aviation safety course, and have experience in aircraft mishap investigation. To accomplish these tasks, the ASO should refer to the NASA Aviation Safety Reference Guide to ensure appropriate elements are contained in the Center`s aircraft mishap prevention program.
7.3.11 Pilot-In-Command.
7.3.11.1 The NASA aircraft pilot-in-command (PIC) is responsible at all times for the safe operation of the aircraft and the safety of the passengers (Requirement 32460). The PIC is the final authority as to whether a flight shall be delayed or diverted for reasons of weather, aircraft conditions, or other safety-related considerations (Requirement 32461).
7.3.11.2 The PIC shall ensure that passenger briefings are conducted and include pertinent egress, safety, and emergency information (Requirement 32462).
7.3.12 Individual Responsibilities.
All personnel, including contract personnel associated with NASA flight operations, shall conduct aviation-related activities in a safe and responsible manner and in compliance with NASA aviation requirements and safety programs (Requirement 25184). Contracts involving or affecting aviation operations shall stipulate compliance with aviation safety requirements (Requirement 32463). Aviation safety is a personal responsibility of every person involved in aviation-related activities (Requirement 32464).
This paragraph discusses the general elements of an effective Aviation Safety Program. Each Center shall implement an aircraft mishap prevention program that includes the elements appropriate for their operation (Requirement 25185). Detailed elements are contained in the NASA Aviation Safety Reference Guide.
7.4.1 Aircraft Mishap Prevention Survey/Review.
A NASA Headquarters aviation safety review of each Center is required biennially (Requirement 32465). The IAOP, with the assistance of the AMO, conducts these formal reviews with independent safety oversight by the Safety and Assurance Requirements Division. Centers should conduct internal surveys during the alternate year. These reviews provide an objective evaluation of aircraft operations, maintenance, crew procedures, and facilities to ensure safe and efficient operation and aircraft usage consistent with assigned goals and Center requirements.
7.4.2 The Aviation Safety Reporting System.
7.4.2.1 A major program jointly sponsored with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS). This program is designed to identify and publicize deficiencies/discrepancies that have potential safety impact on the aviation community. The program does not address mishap reports but rather solicits reports of perceived safety hazards through a system of protected reporting. This system receives, stores, and distributes pertinent data. It also analyzes the data, conducts special studies, and reports on the results.
7.4.2.2 The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Report Control Number for the ASRS is 04-R-9206, which has been assigned to the Ames Research Center Form 77.
7.4.2.3 All ASO`s shall use the services of the ASRS program, support its objectives, and integrate the program`s output into their local aviation safety program (Requirement 32469). They shall encourage pilots and other members of the aviation community to submit timely reports of hazardous conditions or incidents as prescribed under the ASRS program (Requirement 32470).
7.4.3 Aircraft Mishap Reporting and Investigation.
The principles of mishap reporting, investigation, identification of root causes, and corrective action are central to an effective aviation safety program and shall be conducted in accordance with NPR 8621.1, "NASA Procedural Requirements for Mishap Reporting, Investigating, and Recordkeeping" (Requirement 25186). Close call reporting, investigation, and dissemination of lessons learned is an essential element of mishap prevention.
7.4.4 Incentives and Awards.
All aviation personnel desire both satisfaction and recognition for their achievements. Safe behavior should be recognized and rewarded. Properly used, incentives and awards can be extremely effective in both motivating and maintaining safe behavior. Further information on awards is located in paragraph 1.15 and Appendix C.
7.4.5 Occupational Health, Medical Clearance, Emergency Egress, and Survival.
Close coordination with occupational health and medical officers and aviation personal equipment specialists shall be maintained (Requirement 25188). This enhances protection of aircrew and passengers by ensuring proper medical clearances for flight duties, adequate training, and properly maintained and functioning emergency survival equipment. The proper care and use of parachutes, egress systems, breathing equipment, protective equipment, and survival gear are subjects for safety surveillance. The aviation medical program and aviation life support equipment are important components of this safety program element.
7.4.5.1 The Aviation Medical Program. The objectives of the Aviation Medical Program are to promote aviation safety and prevent illness and injury of aviators and aviation support personnel. Specific aims are to promote the health and safety of aviation personnel through appropriate preventive medicine practices; ensure a safe, toxic-free environment for aviation personnel; and evaluate personal equipment and the man/machine interface for toxic and hazardous conditions. Managers shall ensure establishment and support of an aviation medicine program tailored to specific needs of aviation personnel supported (Requirement 32471).
7.4.5.2 Aviation Life Support Equipment. Aviation Life Support Equipment (ALSE) includes helmets, oxygen masks, parachutes, and survival gear. ALSE is a vital link to a comprehensive aviation safety program. The responsibility, accountability, inspection, and maintenance of this equipment should be delegated to support personnel who are familiar with the equipment, experienced and knowledgeable in aviation concept, and aware of the need for ALSE. ALSE school attendance is desirable and encouraged.
7.4.6 Facilities and Equipment.
Adequate flight facilities shall be established, maintained, and inspected (Requirement 25189). These include airfield, aircrew, maintenance, aircraft service life extension facilities, Crash Fire Rescue (CFR) facilities, and emergency facilities and equipment for offsite operations.
7.4.7 Cargo Safety.
Provisions shall be made for the safe handling and stowing of cargo, including hazardous materials, in NASA aircraft (Requirement 25190). Additionally, contract carriers and airlift services used by NASA are required to abide by sound safety practices and Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations, including 49 CFR 175, "Carriage by Aircraft," in the transportation of hazardous materials and cargo (Requirement 32473). Transportation officers shall ensure mixed cargo and passenger loads meet the requirements for safe practices (Requirement 32474).
7.4.8 Dissemination of Aviation Safety-Related Information and Material.
The best aviation safety material contributes very little to safety programs unless it is read or used by the people who are part of the Aviation Safety Program. Aviation safety managers should ensure that these materials are distributed throughout their Centers and other sites. Safety information that would be of interest Agencywide should be sent to the Safety and Assurance Requirements Division for distribution. This information may assist in saving lives and preserving valuable resources.
7.4.9 Aviation Safety Reference Guide.
Additional information on aviation safety is contained in the "Aviation Safety Reference Guide," QS-ASO-92-001.
NASA aviation activities interface with the aircraft industry, DOT/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Department of Defense (DOD), and foreign governments. These resources shall be used fully in aviation safety matters (Requirement 25192). Centers shall have a process in place with outside organizations to exchange flight information that affects their assigned aircraft (Requirement 32475).
7.5.1 Interagency Committee for Aviation Policy (ICAP).
The ICAP was established by GSA Order ADM 5420.99, dated August 9, 1989, as directed by revised OMB Circular A-126, issued January 18, 1989. The committee`s goal is to coordinate Government-wide improvements in efficiency, effectiveness, economy, and safety of Federal executive agency public aircraft activities. NASA is represented on the executive committee by one primary and one alternate representative from the Office of Institutional and Corporate Management, and by representatives from both the Office of Institutional and Corporate Management and Office of Safety and Mission Assurance on the following subcommittees: Regulatory Policy; Safety, Standards, and Training; Data Management Systems; and Acquisition and Disposition. The NASA representatives will keep the NASA aviation community apprised of deliberations and actions forthcoming from the committee (Requirement 32476).
7.5.2 Department of Transportation.
NASA aviation safety has a direct interest in FAA flight services and facilities used by NASA aircraft. These include departure, enroute, and arrival procedures, the airways, restricted airspace, and local flying/training areas. Cooperation with FAA at the local level should foster a mutual understanding in developing safe aviation control procedures. Research and development (R&D) activities present opportunities for NASA/FAA cooperation to enhance safety.
7.5.3 Department of Defense.
Because NASA uses many military airfields and aircraft common to the military services, coordination with the Army, Navy, and Air Force is required (Requirement 32478). Use of the various military safety publications, cross-exchange of accident prevention data, and participation in joint safety efforts are also required (Requirement 32479). Safety and accident investigation provisions must be included in joint agreements with DOD agencies for joint use or loan of aircraft (Requirement 32480).
7.5.4 Industry.
Although this interface is normally through the contracting officer, special safety provisions in contracts shall require exchange of accident information concerning the types of aircraft involved (Requirement 32481). Safety personnel shall participate in design reviews and inspections during the acquisition phase to ensure proper safety coverage (Requirement 32482).
7.5.5 Foreign Governments.
Most foreign interface occurs during joint research or exchange programs and aviation shows and displays. The primary purpose of aviation safety is to save lives and property. Aviation safety must not have political or national boundaries (Requirement 32483). The NASA Aviation Safety Program shall have provisions for exchanges of safety information (Requirement 32484).
| TOC | Change | Preface | Chapter1 | Chapter2 | Chapter3 | Chapter4 | Chapter5 | Chapter6 | Chapter7 | Chapter8 | Chapter9 | AppendixA | AppendixB | AppendixC | AppendixD | AppendixE | AppendixF | AppendixG | AppendixH | AppendixI | AppendixJ | AppendixK | ALL | |
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