EASA Regulatory Drivers for Safety Reporting
Sofema Aviation Service www.sassofia.com looks at SMS reporting from the EASA perspective
What do we mean by Safety Occurrence Reporting?
We use the term Safety Occurrence to identify as a collective term which is used to embrace all events which have, or could have significance in the context of aviation safety.
Events identified may in fact range from minor events which are deemed to have a potential for an impact on safety through to incidents or events that should be reported to more serious events including serious incidents and accidents.
Building a Reporting Culture
The willingness to report, safety related exposures is a significant measure when we are considering the effectiveness of Safety Management System.
It is necessary for the organization to have comprehensive reporting metrics to be able to both understand the impact of current practices as well as the key influencing factors which influence them.
Occurrence Reporting
Industry Safety System Knowledge Experts understand that accidents are typically preceded by safety-related incidents and other deficiencies which can be examined in a way which reveals the existence of safety hazards.
Safety data is an essential resource for the detection of potential safety hazards.
Being Proactive
Whilst the ability to learn from an accident is crucial, SMS processes which operate in a purely reactive environment have been found to be of limited use in continuing to develop positive improvements.
Therefore for the maximum benefit Reactive systems should be complemented by proactive systems. Proactive Systems use a variety of Safety Data, to make effective improvements in aviation safety.
EASA Reporting Portal for Safety Events
Reporting of occurrences should be done directly via the European Aviation Safety Reporting portal: http://www.aviationreporting.eu/AviationReporting/
Legal framework
Occurrence reporting is one of the safety tools that enables the management of safety for aviation organisations and States. This fact is acknowledged and developed in the European Regulatory framework through Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 and Regulation (EU) No 376/2014.
Regulation (EU) 2018/1139 contains specific reporting requirements placed in the domain-specific Implementing Rules. That is:
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 748/2012 for design and production;
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1321/2014 for Part 145 and Part M maintenance/continuing airworthiness;
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 1178/2011 for flight crew;
- Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2017/373 for ATM/ANS;
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 965/2012 for Air Operations;
- Commission Regulation (EU) No 139/2014 for Aerodrome
Regulation (EU) No 376/2014, applicable since 15 November 2015 to aviation professionals, organisations and Member States, complements the EU Occurrence Reporting framework and further develops the standards for reporting, collecting, storing, protecting and disseminating the relevant safety information.
Its main objectives are to:
- Prevent accidents through reporting, analysis and follow-up of relevant safety information at industry, national and EU level
- Increase information exchange between aviation stakeholders by mean of the European Central Repository
- Ensure continued availability of safety information by enhancing Just Culture
Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 is complemented by the Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1018 laying down a list classifying occurrences in civil aviation to be mandatorily reported.
The European Aviation Safety Reporting Portal provides information and guidance material on the Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 and its practical implementation.
Sofema Aviation Services www.sassofia.com and online partner www.sofemaonline.com offers together more than 400 EASA Compliant Regulatory and Vocational Training courses for more information please see our websites or email office@sassofia.com and online@sassofia.com
