NASA seeks input on aviation safety program

Created in 1976, the ASRS encourages pilots to report safety concerns and incidents voluntarily through a confidential, non-punitive platform. To achieve this, the FAA asked NASA to serve as a third party since it “recognized that its regulatory and enforcement roles would discourage the aviation community from trusting and using the new program,” according to the FAA.

“The ASRS is one of the most effective tools we have for identifying safety trends before they become accidents,” said Jim McClay, AOPA director of airspace, air traffic, and security. “While some have expressed concern about possible cuts, we have been told this is just part of a routine review process. This is an opportunity for pilots to help ensure the program stays strong and continues to serve the aviation community.”

According to the notice, ASRS receives 100,000 reports annually. NASA uses these reports to identify issues in the national airspace system; inform policy improvements; and strengthen human factors research, as many accidents are linked to human error.

In most cases, the Paperwork Reduction Act requires that the federal government review programs that involve data collection at least every three years.

Comments may be submitted via the Federal Register until July 7.