Site Map

I've Screwed Up!  Now What? - Using the NASA Form

CFIDarren Newsletter, May 22, 2012

The NASA form is more important than ever.  A few short months ago, a new policy came into being which is affecting GA pilots.  Since January 30, 2012, controllers are now required to submit Mandatory Occurrence Reports (MOR) if pilot actions were a factor in an ATC safety "occurrence."

This isn't the only FAA Order that went into effect changing the way air traffic controllers report safety issues.  The FAA also recently implemented Electronic Occurrence Reporting (EOR) for lateral deviations.   This one is particularly important as "loss of separation" and "altitude deviation" messages are automatically logged and routed to supervisory controllers.  Those supervisors will query the controller to determine the cause of the  deviation.  The supervisor will determine if the alert was an ATC or pilot error.  Source: 7210.632- ATO Occurrence Reporting (ATOOR)

Both types of reports are sent to a regional quality assurance service center for processing.  The report then goes to the FSDO for handling if a pilot deviation occurred.

 The overall effect has been to cause an increase in the number of pilot deviations.  If you become aware of a deviation, file a NASA report within ten calendar days.  As airspace becomes more complicated, and ATC looking hard at pilot deviations, your ticket is at risk.

Using the NASA Form (PocketLearning) Practical advice and tips using the NASA form when you’ve violated the FARs.  This 48 page guide will walk you step by step through filing a NASA safety report.  It will tell you the techniques and traps to submit a good report AND keep your pilot certificate unblemished.  You only have 10 days to submit your report, so this is the tool you want to have ahead of time.  Designed to fit in your flight bag, size: 6"x9" Sent USPS Class Mail  with Delivery Confirmation Tracking Number, arrives in 2-7 days.  Price: $12 (Free Shipping to US addresses). ISBN: 978-1468096262 Limited special offer, Get Pilot's Rules of Thumb checklist FREE when you purchase this item - limited time offer Limitations: Void where prohibited. While supplies last. Subject to change without prior notice. Single copy sales only.    Also available at CreateSpace, Amazon,

FAR 91.25 Prohibition Against Use of Report for Enforcement Purposes

The Administrator of the FAA will not use reports submitted to the National Aeronautics and Space Administration under the Aviation Safety Reporting Program (or information derived therefrom) in any enforcement action, except information concerning accidents or criminal offenses which are wholly excluded from the program.

9. ENFORCEMENT POLICY

1. The Administrator of the FAA will perform his/her responsibility under Title 49, United States Code, Subtitle VII, and enforce the statute and the FAR in a manner that will reduce or eliminate the possibility of, or recurrence of, aircraft accidents. The FAA enforcement procedures are set forth in Part 13 of the FAR (14 CFR Part 13) and FAA enforcement handbooks.
2. In determining the type and extent of the enforcement action to be taken in a particular case, the following factors are considered:
   1. nature of the violation;
   2. whether the violation was inadvertent or deliberate;
   3. the certificate holder's level of experience and responsibility;
   4. attitude of the violator;
   5. the hazard to safety of others which should have been foreseen;
   6. action taken by employer or other government authority;
   7. length of time which has elapsed since violation;(8) the certificate holder's use of the certificate;
   8. the need for special deterrent action in a particular regulatory area, or segment of the aviation community; and
   9. presence of any factors involving national interest, such as the use of aircraft for criminal purposes.
3. The filing of a report with NASA concerning an incident or occurrence involving a violation of 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII, or the FAR is considered by FAA to be indicative of a constructive attitude. Such an attitude will tend to prevent future violations. Accordingly, although a finding of violation may be made, neither a civil penalty nor certificate suspension will be imposed if:
   1. the violation was inadvertent and not deliberate;
   2. the violation did not involve a criminal offense, or accident. or action under 49 U.S.C. Section 44709 which discloses a lack of qualification or competency, which is wholly excluded from this policy;
   3. the person has not been found in any prior FAA enforcement action to have committed a violation of 49 U.S.C. Subtitle VII, or any regulation promulgated there for a period of 5 years prior to the date of occurrence; and
   4. the person proves that, within 10 days after the violation, he or she completed and delivered or mailed a written report of the incident or occurrence to NASA under ASRS. See paragraphs 5c and 7b.
      Note: Paragraph 9 does not apply to air traffic controllers. Provisions concerning air traffic controllers involved in incidents reported under ASRS are addressed in FAA Order 7210.3.

NASA AVIATION SAFETY REPORTING SYSTEM
POST OFFICE BOX 189
MOFFETT FIELD, CALIFORNIA 94035-0189

Your Thoughts...

Name: (Anonymous posts deleted)	E-mail: (if you want a reply)	How did you hear of this website?
Message:  (What should I write?)		Business Card WebSearch News Group Safety Seminar Advertisement Word of Mouth Other(specify)
(Required) Enter number from image to send: