This is the sixth year that we're using the Top 5 Hazard approach, and each year we've
refined our data collection and analysis. This year, we've added the Service Integrity -
Risk Analysis Process ( SI - RAP), which enables us to analyze single loss of technical
functionality events. This process will help us assess technical risks in a more objective,
data - driven way. Because of SI - RAP, we added NOTAM issuance and cancellation to
the FY17 List. Check o ut the Focus FAA article that discusses the FY17 list items and
SI - RAP in more detail.
This year, for our FY16 Top 5 Hazard List we developed 26 corrective actions to add ress
potential risks associated with helicopter operations, visual scanning by tower controllers,
access to weather information on the controller's scope, and two potential hazards
a ssociated with wake turbulence.
Let me give you some examples. Risk Anal ysis Event data showed trends in which
controllers experienced difficulty in applying wake turbulence separation standards. Also,
mandatory occurrence reporting pointed to a number of wake encounters of smaller
aircraft behind leading heavies or supers. As part of our corrective actions we included
this topic as part of our web - based Recurrent Training course, which provided a review
of wake turbulence separation requirements, stressed that wake generated by these
aircraft can last as much as 20 nautical mi les at altitude, and emphasized the
importance of issuing cautionary wake advisories.
We also looked at ways to improve access to weather information on the controller's
scope that covers their radar coverage area. Air Traffic Services, Technical Operati ons
and Mission Support Services worked together to identify gaps in weather radar
coverage and determine potential solutions. In addition, we're currently testing a
technology called Offshore Precipitation Capability (OPC) at Miami and Houston en
route ce nters to provide controllers with more information about weather in oceanic
airspace.
In addition, the ATO's Safety and Technical Training office worked with the FAA's Civil
Aerospace Medical Institute to conduct a study to better understand what constitutes a
good tower visual scan. The study is helping us determine best practices for tower vi sual
scanning that we can incorporate into our training.
As we address the FY17 Top 5 Hazards, let's remember that safety is everyone's
responsibility. Our new All Points Safety app is now available for download on your
mobile device. In the app, you'll find news, stories and videos about our safety efforts.
You can also hear True Stories of Air Traffic Control , podcasts that detail how our
controllers have come to the aid of pilots who were experiencing an emergency.
Thanks everyone,
Teri L . Bristol
ATO Chief Operating Officer
MEMBERSHIP AND MARKETING DEPARTMENT
NATCA STORE ITEM OF THE WEEK: METALLIC MUG
