Air Traffic Quality Assurance Program The Federal Aviation Administration Presented By: Gary D. Romero

Air Traffic Quality Assurance Program Why Have a Quality Assurance (QA) Program? Purpose of a QA Program Structure of a QA Program Elements of a QA Program

Definition of Operational Error (OE) An occurrence in which less than the applicable separation results between two aircraft. Or between an aircraft and terrain or obstacles

Definition of Operational Deviation (OD) An occurrence in which less than applicable separation exists between aircraft or vehicles and another controller’s area of jurisdiction.

Definition of Accident An occurrence in which any person suffers death or serious injury or an aircraft receives substantial damage.

Why Have a QA Program? Maintain Integrity of Safety in the ATC System Provide Oversight to ATC Facilities Identify Problems in the Areas of: Controller Performance Training Procedures Management or Supervision

Purpose Help ensure safety, efficiency, and excellence in the service and products we provide.

Structure of QA Program

Elements of QA Program Preventative Measures Evaluations OE/D Determination Data Collection Reporting of OE/D, Accidents Investigative Teams Follow-up

Preventative Measures Recorded Reviews On-the-spot corrections Performance Observation Trend Analysis Quality Assurance Review (QAR)

Evaluations Internal Evaluations Conducted by facility QA personnel External Evaluations Conducted by Air Traffic Evaluations Headquarters Branch

OE/D Determination Computer Identified Controller Identified Supervisor Identified Pilot Identified

Data Collection Voice Tapes Radar Data Controller Statements Supervisor Statements Contributing Factors Equipment Other

Reporting OE/D and Accidents Facilities Report to Higher Authority Provide a network of information Identify trends Share successful tactics among facilities Hold accountable facility personnel

Investigative Teams Teams formed at the facility level to research cause of OE/D. Teams fielded by Headquarters to conduct in-depth investigation into OE/D trends. Investigate ATC involvement in accidents and incidents Do NOT determine mechanical failures of aircraft Facility QA personnel assist with documentation

Follow-Up Controller Re-Training Supervisor Re-Training Changes to Procedures Changes to Airspace Changes to Equipment