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properly identify, report, and correct hazards. It also
provides training on properly managing safety
information, which involves its collection, circulation,
and control.
ELEMENTS OF THE COMMAND
AVIATION SAFETY PROGRAM
Setting up a proper aviation safety climate is
required for a successful aviation safety effort. The
commanding officer creates a set of command safety
goals and standards and sets up a means of enforcing
those standards. In addition, he or she creates an
environment that will enhance safety hazard detection
and elimination and promote safety education, training,
and awareness programs. The following elements of the
command aviation safety program are vital to a
successful safety effort:
Command climate—The commanding officer
must foster a climate that promotes the goal of the
command aviation safety program. He or she establishes
the goal, monitors achievements of the program, and
sets the standards.
Command safety goals—The commanding
officer establishes a clear set of aviation safety goals and
an aviation safety policy. The policy defines what the
commander expects of command personnel to attain
these goals.
Command safety organization—The com-
manding officer must issue a description of the
command safety organization and the tasks or functions
of each member of the command safety organization.
The flight surgeon or wing flight surgeon serving the
command is responsible for the aeromedical aspects of
the command safety program.
Aviation Safety Council—If the command is a
squadron, an air station, or a larger activity, the com-
mand must form an Aviation Safety Council. The
council sets goals, manages assets, and reviews safety-
related recommendations. The council keeps records of
the meetings it holds. Members of the council review
command plans, policies, procedures, conditions, and
instructions to make sure they are current and correct.
The council also responds to corrective recom-
mendations. Standing members of the council include
aviation, ground, and aeromedical (flight surgeon)
safety officers.
Enlisted Aviation Safety Committee—Repre-
sentatives from each work center and other designated
activities, such as the Medical Department and Aircraft
Intermediate Maintenance Department (AIMD), form
the Enlisted Aviation Safety Committee. The committee
meets once a month to discuss safety deficiencies and
provide recommendations for improved safety practices
and promotion of safety awareness. The committee
keeps a record of attendance and subjects discussed at
the meetings. The commanding officer responds to all
recommendations of the committee in writing and in a
timely manner.
Each activity safety petty officer/noncommissioned
officer should complete the personnel qualification
standards (PQS) for Aviation Safety PO/NCO, NAV-
EDTRA 43218.
Safety Standdown
The command may conduct periodic safety
standdowns devoted to providing dedicated time for
safety training and awareness. In addition, safety stand-
downs enhance the command safety climate.
Safety Surveys
To measure the command’s safety posture, the
command should conduct periodic safety surveys. They
may consist of in-house safety surveys conducted by
unit personnel. The surveys also may consist of external
services provided by a sister aviation activity, a wing,
or a higher staff. The survey might be a formal survey
by the NAVSAFECEN survey team. The recommended
frequency of formal NAVSAFECEN surveys is every
2 years.
Safety Training
The command must conduct and document periodic
safety training within the command. The command
makes sure personnel attend required formal safety
training courses. nose who are unable to attend must
request a waiver from higher authority.
Investigation of Suspected Hazards
and Reporting Requirements
The command must investigate and determine
recommended corrective action on all hazards
discovered or reported. The command must report
hazards as required by OPNAVINST 3750.6Q,
OPNAVINST 4790.2E, and other applicable directives.
Reporting of hazards contributes to safety and hazard
awareness. Reporting of hazards also helps in obtaining
corrective action and improves procedures, processes,
and materials.
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