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

2 Air Traffic Quality Assurance Program 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

3 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

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

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

6 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

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

8 Structure of QA Program

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

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

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

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

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

14 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

15 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

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

17