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Airlines, authorities and aircraft
manufacturers from Europe, Asia and Africa were all represented at LOSA, the
third International Civil Aviation Association Line Operations Safety Audit
conference sponsored by Dubai’s award-winning Emirates airline.
LOSA is a new airline safety initiative involving the detailed study of
normal flights by trained observers on the flight deck. ICAO is promoting
greater use of LOSA, which was inspired by the ICAO Human Factors Group and
developed by members of the University of Texas Human Factors Department.
In a move to validate safety training now undertaken by pilots,
specially-trained observers travel in the cockpit during normal flights and
report back what they see. The reports are analysed in detail at the University of Texas.
Emirates’ Captain Peter Greenfield, CRM Manager, says: “Until now, airline
safety tools have looked at incidents only after they have happened - which
means looking backwards.
“In contrast, LOSA looks forwards. By studying normal, uneventful flights in
depth, the audit helps to identify weaknesses in an airline's procedures and
help prevent accidents from happening.”
Airlines from the Arab Air Carriers Organisation (AACO) and others serving
the region, including Cathay Pacific, Singapore Airlines, Qantas and Delta,
attended the seminar with representatives from regulatory bodies including
the Gulf Civil Aviation Authority.
They heard from Capt Daniel Maurino of ICAO, Prof Robert Helmreich of the
University of Texas and delegates from airlines using LOSA. Presentations
included an abbreviated observer training session and a walk-through of a
typical observation flight.
Capt Maurino said later: ” It was one of the best events I’ve ever attended.
If I ever dream about the ideal conference, it would be close to this one.
Beyond its wonderful organisation and venue, and flawless technical
programme, what truly amazed me was the sustained attention from start to
finish.”
Brian
Greeves, from the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations,
said it was ‘a family affair which gets better and draws more disciples each time. I
think we have even more converts on the way.’ Jill Sladen, from IATA, said:
“There is a strong buzz following LOSA week -- the momentum is building!”
Captain Chris Knowles, Emirates’ Head of Flight Operations, said the airline
is planning a full LOSA next May, helping to spread knowledge of the system
throughout the Middle East region. |
