Final Exam

Front 1

3 Major functions of the FAA and some of the activities that support these functions.

Back 1

Functions:
- regulating civil aviation to promote safety and fulfill the requirements of national defense
- encouraging and developing civil aeronautics, including new aviation technology
- developing and operating a common system of air traffic control and navigation for both civil and military a/c
- performing R&D with respect to the National Airspace System and civil aeronautics
- developing and implementing programs to control a/c noise and other environmental effects of civil aviation
- regulating US commercial space transportation
Activities:
- Safety regulation. FFA issues and enforces regulations and min. standards relating to the manufacture, operation and maintenance of a/c
- Airspace and traffic mgmt. safe and efficient utilization of the navigable airspace is the primary objective of the FAA.
- Air navigation facilities. FAA is responsible for the construction and installation of visual and electronic aids to navigation, and for the maintenance, operation, and quality assurance. of these facilities.
- Civil aviation abroad. FFA promotes aviation safety and encourages civil aviation abroad.
- Commercial space transportation. Regulates and encourages the US commercial space transportation industry.
- Research, engineering and development. FAA engages in research, engineering and development aimed at providing the systems and procedures needed for a safe and efficient system of air navigation and ATC.
- Other programs. FAA provides a system for registering a/c and recording documents affecting title or interest in a/c and their components.

Front 2

Significance of the Air Mail Act of 1925

Back 2

- Authorizing the Post Office Department to transfer air mail service to private sectors.

Front 3

Factors that led to the passage of the Federal Aviation Act of 1958, several of the safety provisions of this Act.

Back 3

The impending intro. Of jet a/c and a 1956 midair collision over the Grand Canyon involving a DC7 and a Super Constellation.
Safety Provisions:
- Min. standards for the design, materials, workmanship, construction and performance of a/c, a/c engines, propellers and appliances.
- Reasonable rules and regulations and min. standards for inspections, servicing, and overhauls of a/c, a/c engines, propellers, and appliances, including equipment, and facilities used for such activities.
- Reasonable rules and regulations governing the reserve supply of a/c, a/c engines, props, appliances, and a/c fuel and oil, incl. fuel and oil suppliers carried in flight.
- Reasonable rules and regulations for maximum hours or periods of service of pilots and other employees of air carriers.
- Other reasonable rules, regulations or maximum standards governing other practices, methods, and procedures necessary to provide adequately for national security and safety of air commerce.

Front 4

Primary reason for the passage of the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978

Back 4

- prompted by widespread dissatisfaction with CAB (Civil Aeronautics Board) policies and belief that increased competition would enhance passenger service and reduce airline fares. Specifically, in a 6 yr. period, the act phased out CAB control over carrier entry and exit, routes and fares.

Front 5

Organizational structure of the FAA, functions of the 6 major functional offices

Back 5

- Airport (ARP) – to provide leadership in planning and developing a safe and efficient national airport system to satisfy the needs of aviation interests of the US, with due consideration for economics, environmental compatibility, local proprietary rights, and safeguarding the public investment.
- Air Traffic Services (ATS) – to serve the flying public by directing and coordinating efforts and assuming responsibility for ensuring that the national airspace system is used safely and efficiently.
- Civil Aviation Security (ACS) – ensures and promotes a secure and safe civil aviation system by identifying and countering aviation related threats to the US citizens worldwide.
- Commercial Space Transportation (AST)
– regulate the commercial space transportation industry to ensure compliance with
international obligations of the US.
- protect the public health and safety, of property, and national security and foreign policy
of the US
- encourage, facilitate, and promote commercial space launches by the private sector, and
strengthen the overall space transportation infrastructure.
- recommend appropriate changes in federal regulations and policies that will help support
and promote space commercialization.
- Regulation and Certification (AVR) – responsible for the certification, production approval, and continued airworthiness of a/c. it certifies pilots, mechanics and others in safety-related positions. In addition, responsible for certifying all operational and maintenance activities of US civil aviation organizations, regulating civil flight operations, and certifying and maintaining safety oversight of some 7300 US commercial airlines and air operators.
- Research and Acquisition (ARA) – provides direction and guidance to the FAA on issues related to acquisition policies, research, system prototyping, and information resource management.

Front 6

Primary mission of the Flight Standard Service. 10 specific functions for which the Flight Standards Service is responsible

Back 6

- Primary mission: to ensure continued enhancement of flight safety.
- Functions:
- Certification, operating methods, flight operations, and maintenance activities of US air carriers and foreign air carriers operating in and over the US
- Maintenance Standards for US registered a/c
- Certification and conduct commercial, industrial, private, and general aviation operations
- Examination and certification (except medical) of airmen
- Examination and appointment of persons designated and authorized to act as
representatives of the FAA administrator with respect to the certification of airmen and the
maintenance of civil a/c and products.
- Approval of, and surveillance over, the a/c maintenance Programs of operators and pilot school
- Assurance that appropriate operational considerations are accommodated with regard to
a/c maintenance policies, procedures and practices.
- Establishment of operating requirements and criteria for the use of a/c system
- Recommendation of quantities, priorities and locations for approach and landing navigation
aids and visual aids for the National Airspace System Plan.
- Granting or denial of exemptions from regulations and taking a final action on any request
or petition for reconsideration.

Front 7

601(b) of the FA Act say about an air carrier’s responsibility for Safety

Back 7

To perform their services with the highest possible degree of safety in the public interest

Front 8

How has inspector workload been affected since airline deregulation? Why has it been difficult attracting inspectors to major metropolitan areas?

Back 8

every time a new airline has been formed, and airline has placed a new a/c type into service, or 2 airlines have merged, flight standards have been obliged to devote sources to certificating the new or changed air carrier. Certification involves page-by-page approval of the airline’s operations and maintenance manuals, check rides for the airline’s senior pilots, and final proving runs for the operation as a whole. Certification is an activity that competes for inspector’s time with the entire safety inspection program.

- Cost of living is high. (Ex. LA where living there requires either a very high housing cost or a
very long commute, which resulted in a high turnover rate in some major metropolitan
areas. A differential pay scale has been initiated to alleviate this situation.

Front 9

Primary responsibilities of National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB)? How did passage of the Independent Safety Board Act of 1974 affect the NTSB? Describe the types of accidents investigated by the NTSB. Describe the organizational structure of the NTSB. What are the functions of the following offices: Safety Recommendations and Accomplishments; Administrative Law Judges; Government, Public, and Family Affairs; General Counsel; and Aviation Safety?

Back 9

- PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES: determines the probable cause of transportation accidents and promotes transportation safety through the recommendation process. Also conducts safety studies, evaluates the effectiveness of other government agencies’ transportation safety programs, and reviews appeals of adverse actions by the USDOT involving pilot and mariner certificates and licenses. To help prevent accidents, the NTSB develops and issues safety recommendations to other government agencies, industry, and organizations that are in a position to improve transportation safety.
- Congress envisioned that a single agency could develop a higher level of safety than the individual modal agencies working separately.
- TYPE OF ACCIDENTS INVESTIGATED BY THE NTSB:
- All accidents involving 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Parts 121 and 135 air carriers
- All accidents involving public (i.e. government) a/c
- Foreign a/c accidents involving US airlines and/or US manufactured transport a/c or major components
- Accidents involving ATC, training, mid-air collisions, newly certified a/c/engines, and in-flight fire or breakup
- General aviation accidents, some of which are delegated to the FAA for fact finding (probable cause determinations are not delegated)
- ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE: The NTSB is composed of 5 members. Appointed by the
President and confirmed by the Senate, 2 of whom are designated by the President for 2 yr.
terms to serve as chair and vice chair. The full term of a member Is 5 yrs. The NTSB’s HQ
are in Washington DC, Regional Offices are located in Parsippany, NJ, Miami, Chicago, DFW,
Seattle and LA with field offices in Washington, DC, Atlanta, Denver, and Anchorage.
- FUNCTIONS OF:
- Safety Recommendations and Accomplishments: helps to ensure that the NTSB issues appropriate and effective recommendations for enhancing safety in all transportation modes.
- Administrative Law Judges: deals directly with individual. To act as an initial appeals court for persons who might have had licenses or certificates suspended, revoked, or modified by the DOT.
- Government, Public and Family Affairs: keeps Congress and federal, state, and local government agencies informed of the NTSB’s efforts to improve transportation safety. Responds to oral and written inquiries and addresses problems and concerns raised by Congress and other government entities. It prepares testimony for NTSB participation in congressional hearings and provides information on legislation at the federal, state, and local government levels.
- General Counsel: provides legal advice on policy, legislation, NTSB rules and other legal matters. Helps to ensure that the NTSB’s review of airman and seaman certificate and license appeals is timely and objective and assist the DOJ in representing the NTSB in court proceedings. Also provides legal assistance and guidance to the NTSB's other offices regarding hearings, appearances as witnesses, and the taking of depositions.
- Aviation Safety: responsible for fulfilling the number of functions. Primary responsibility for investigating aviation accidents and incidents and proposing probable causes for NTSB approval. Formulates aviation safety recommendations.

Front 10

Role of the investigator-in-charge (IIC) and the go team. What is the so called party system that enables the NTSB to leverage its limited resources? Identify the steps taken in a major accident investigation. What types of activities are performed at the NTSB’s laboratory in Washington, D.C.? when are safety recommendations made?

Back 10

- ROLE OF:
- INVESTIGATOR-IN-CHARGE (IIC) – organizes, conducts, and manages the field phase of the investigation, regardless of whether a board member is also present on the scene. Has the responsibility and authority to supervise and coordinate all resources and activities of the field investigators.
- GO TEAM – investigative group. Formed around subject matter areas such as power plants, systems, structures, operations, ATC, human factors, weather and survivability. Under direction if IIC.
- so called party system: by bringing into an investigation the technical expertise of the
companies, entities (such as pilot’s union), and individuals who were involved in the accident
or who might be able to provide specialized knowledge to assist in determining the probable
cause.
- STEPS TAKEN IN A MAJOR ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION:
- TYPES OF ACTIVITIES PERFORMED AT NTSB HQ:
- capability to read out a/c cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) and decipher flight data recorders (FDRs) which provide investigators with such key factors as airspeed, altitude, vertical acceleration, and elapsed time.
- Metallurgy performs post accidents analysis of wreckage parts. Capable of determining whether failures resulted from inadequate design strength, excessive overloading, or deterioration in static strength through fatigue or corrosion.
- WHEN RECOMMENDATIONS ARE MADE: as soon as a problem is identified without
necessary waiting until an investigation is completed and the probable cause of an accident
is determined.

Front 11

Difference between accidents and incidents. Identify several types of incidents

Back 11

- Accident – an occurrence associated with the operation of an a/c that takes place between the time any person boards the a/c with the intention of flight and the time all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person (occupant or non occupant) suffers a fatal or serious injury or the a/c receives substantial damage.
- Incidents – an occurrence other than an accident associated with the operation of an a/c that affects or could affect the safety of operations. Types of:
- near midair collision – associated with the operation of an a/c which the possibility of collision occurs as a result of proximity of less than 500 ft. to another a/c or an official report from an aircrew member stating that a collision hazard existed between 2 or more a/c.
- runway incursion – occurrence at an airport involving an a/c, vehicle, person, or object on the ground that creates a collision hazard or results in loss of separation with an a/c taking off, intending to take off, landing or intending to land.
- In-flight fire – a fire that occurs aboard an a/c whether or not damage occurs
- Flight critical equipment failure – the term flight critical is subject to various interpretations. Ex. Control system malfunctions and engine failures.

Front 12

List and define NTSB’s classification of accidents

Back 12

- Major accident – an accident in which a Part 121 a/c was destroyed, or there were multiple fatalities, or there was 1 fatality and a Part 121 a/c was substantially damaged.
- Serious accident – an accident in which there was 1 fatality without substantial damage to Part 121 a/c, or there was at least 1 serious injury and a Part 121 a/c was substantially damaged.
- Injury – a nonfatal accident with at least 1 injury without substantial damage to a Part 121 a/c
- Damage – an accident in which no person was killed or seriously injured, but in which any a/c was substantially damaged.

Front 13

Why do accident investigations still provide the best insight and information leading to accident prevention? What is the purpose of publicizing safety recommendations following an accident?

Back 13

Accidents provide compelling and incontrovertible evidence of the severity of hazards. The often catastrophic and very expensive nature of accidents provides the incentives of allocating resources to accident prevention to an extent otherwise unlikelyPURPOSE OF PUBLICIZING OF SAFETY RECOMMENDATIONS:
- Helps ensure that the recommendations are reasonable and realistic in the circumstances
- It enables other countries, organization and individuals to see what action was recommended.
Although the recommendation was not specifically addressed to them, it may enable them to
take actions to avoid similar hazards.
- It can provide pressure for a prompt and reasonable response.

Front 14

Why is the accident rate a better measure of safety than accident counts are

Back 14

- Accident counts by themselves cannot be reliably used to measure relative safety among organizations and their products. All things being equal, an airline that has a larger fleet of a/c could be expected (statistically speaking) to have a larger number of accidents than an airline with far fewer airplanes. Similarly, a/c models that are flown more often would expect to be involved in more accidents less frequently used models. For this reason the accident rate, which is the number of accidents divided by some common base variable (e.g. flight hrs. departures and miles flown) is a more valid indicator of relative safety than just accident counts.

Front 15

2. What are hull loss accidents and what is their primary cause? Describe the hull loss accident trend since the early 1970s

Back 15

- Hull loss – is airplane damaged that is beyond economic repair. PRIMARY CAUSE: 54% combined final approach and landing phase, 32% combined phases from landing to initial climb. Cruise, which account for 57% of flight time in a 1.5 hr. flight, occasioned only 6% of hull loss accidents. For accidents with known causes, flight crews were considered the primary cause in most accidents – 66% over the 10 yr. period.
- HULL LOSS ACCIDENT TREND SINCE THE EARLY 1970s: (see book pg. 108)

Front 16

Most critical phase of flight. What are some lessons that can be learned from the Boeing summary?

Back 16

- Approach and landing.
- LESSONS:
- Most obvious, issue of human error. The human factor is clearly and consistently the most frequent cause of incidents and accidents in the airline industry.