This paper deals with the challenges faced when investigating accidents related to Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). The first aim is to generate statistical data on UAV accidents and to use that data to gain insights into the types and reasons for the accidents. From those insights, this paper identifies the challenges being presented to investigators […]
Challenges in Investigating UAV Accidents Read More »
The role of the media when covering a major aviation accident is often criticised. While the media may argue they are simply doing their job and satisfying the public’s desire for information – investigators though, do comment (and provide criticism) on HOW the media conduct themselves when reporting accidents. Christopher Payne, senior visiting research fellow
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The notion of age and well-being is a subjective issue and one that has many variables – that is, the age, health and performance of one individual may not be reflective to another person that is of similar age and similar characteristics. It is generally theorised though that the human body deteriorates over time and
How old is too old to be a pilot? Read More »
The Australian Federal government has identified Aviation as an industry of national strategic importance, and while Australia already has an outstanding aviation safety record, the Government consulted with industry and released a National Aviation Policy Green Paper in December 2008. This paper which was based on the consultative process was followed up by the National
Aviation White Paper (2009) and Australian Government policy Read More »
How do you remember a bush pilot? Simple really, you hire an old plane and spread the ashes over the countryside he adored in a manner that he would’ve wanted. Ralph Green was a pilot from another era. He learnt to fly in a Tiger Moth at a time when flying was cheap and the
Remembering a pilot from a bygone era Read More »
The US Naval Safety Center describes an accident as “a failure of an organization’s overall safety program” . The underlying premise of this definition is the hazards that caused an accident were not discovered in time – and therefore, there was a failure in the organisation for not trapping or preventing those hazards. Attempting to
The airline industry is highly capital intensive and this intensity is spread across all aspects of this vast sector. This includes the financial demands in having access to a reliable fleet of aircraft; the necessity to have experienced personnel operating and managing that fleet; the requirement in having access to specialised infrastructure at locations that
The MRO costs impacting airline operations Read More »
The downing of Malaysian Airlines MH17 as it flew over eastern Ukraine in July 2014 was a tragic event that raised the public’s awareness of the many difficulties faced by aircraft accident investigators. This particular incident drew the focus on the political sensitivities, conflicting governmental responses and also the media’s desire (and need) for quick
The difficulties faced by accident investigators Read More »
Witnesses are one of the primary sources of evidence investigators can utilise when covering an accident. Information obtained from witnesses may provide key aspects such as: whether there was any damage to the aircraft prior to impact; any unusual noises or sounds; was there any sign of smoke or gas in the cabin beforehand and,
The 5 categories of witnesses to an accident Read More »
Scenario-based learning (SBL) is an immersive training environment where learners are presented with simulated work challenges – and then based on their choices and decisions, they receive realistic feedback as they progress (and traverse) through the course. Unlike many e-courses, where learners passively absorb information by reading a text and taking a test afterward, in
What is Scenario Based Learning? Read More »