Programs allow flight crewmembers, mechanics, flight attendants, and other aviation employees to voluntarily report safety issues to the FAA

Washington (October 24, 2018) – Senator Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Senator Richard Blumenthal (D-Conn.) today called on the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to make improvements to Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP), the safety partnerships that allow flight crewmembers, mechanics, flight attendants, and other aviation employees to voluntarily report safety issues to the FAA and company management without the threat of legal action or discipline. The FAA recently initiated a process to update the ASAP voluntary reporting programs. In their letter, the Senators urge the FAA to include several features to further enhance ASAP voluntary reporting guidance, including efficiency, corrective action, and comprehensiveness.

“Corrective action is the bedrock of ASAP voluntary reporting programs, for alleviating the fear of punishment or discipline for legitimate safety accidents or concerns encourages employees to voluntarily provide this information,” write Senators Markey and Blumenthal in their letter to Acting Administrator Daniel Elwell. “Without this safe zone, invaluable safety information may not be reported, inhibiting the FAA and the aviation industry from proactively identifying and addressing safety issues.”

A copy of the letter can be found HERE.

In October, Congress passed and the President signed the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2018, which included Senator Markey’s provision, co-sponsored by Senator Blumenthal, requiring that individual’s voluntary disclosure of safety concerns be automatically accepted by ASAP voluntary reporting programs, so this information can be utilized more quickly.

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