NOAA Aviation Safety Policies

Question 1

What safety documents must be presented and/or signed by each non-crewmember?

Answer 1

209-124: NOAA Aviation Safety Policy Handbook

220-1-1 Appendix A: Crewmember guidelines and information (with Release and Waiver)

Question 2

Whom does the policy apply?

Answer 2

All NOAA personnel flying on any aircraft in the performance of their official duties.

Question 3

Because NOAA operates Public Use aircraft not under the jurisdiction of the FARs, what does 41 CFR 102-33 require of our agency?

Answer 3

To develop agency-specific flight program standards that meet or exceed applicable civil or military rules.

Question 4

Section 4 of 209-124 specifies that all qualified non-crewmembers must be (2 items)…

Answer 4

1. Appropriately trained in aviation safety specified in 209-124 Section 8
2. Provided with Aviation Life Support Equipment

Question 5

What is the NTSB definition of an “accident?”

Answer 5

Occurrence … between the time any persons boards the aircraft with the intention of flight and all such persons have disembarked in which any person suffers DEATH or SERIOUS INJURY or in which the aircraft receives SUBSTANTIAL DAMAGE.

Question 6

What is the definition of a Crewmember?

Answer 6

Person performing duties directly related to or assisting the operation of the aircraft (anyone listed on the schedule from AOC…PIC,SIC,FE,NAV,FD,IFT,MECH)

Question 7

What is the definition of an incident?

Answer 7

Other than accident which affects the safety of operations.

Question 8

What is the definition of an observer?

Answer 8

Non-qualified non-crewmember who monitors performance of flight.

Shall not be granted more than once every four months or more than 3 times per year.

Must complete online training specified in 209-124

i.e. VIPS

Question 9

What is the definition of a Qualified Non-Crewmember? Do the requirements change for non-NOAA crewmembers?

Answer 9

Qualified (trained per 209-124 section 8) to perform skills associated with performing governmental function for which the aircraft is being operated.

Has received a pre-flight safety briefing

Possesses Aviation Life Support Equipment per 209-124 section 8

NO

Question 10

Who comprises the NOAA Aviation Safety Board?

Answer 10

Members from
AOC
NOAA Safety and Environmental Compliance
Representatives from all of the line offices
General Counsel Rep
Acquisitions Rep
Workforce Management Rep

Question 11

What is the only designation given to non-crewmembers who do not possess Aviation Safety Training?

Answer 11

Observers

Only good for once every 4 months and no more than 3 times per year

Question 12

Who is responsible for ensuring all non-crewmembers have the required safety training?

Answer 12

Principle Investigator

Question 13

When should incidents be reported?

Answer 13

Within 24 hours

Question 14

When should serious incidents ($1M / Death / Hospitalize 3 or more / Disabled) and accidents be reported?

Answer 14

No later than 8 hours

Question 15

Who must approve an OBSERVER aboard a NOAA aircraft?

Answer 15

Ops Boss and CO

Question 16

Can a PI claim one of his aerial observers as an “observer” according to the regs?

Answer 16

Up to the discretion of the Ops boss and CO

Question 17

What is the NOAA-WIDE aviation safety policy?

Answer 17

209-124

Question 18

What is the AOC specific safety policy?

Answer 18

220-1-4

Question 19

If a VIP flys aboard a NOAA aircraft, when is the next time they can fly?

Answer 19

After four months have passed, this rule can not be abused by flying two consecutive days and claiming the four month clock has restarted

Question 20

Does an “observer” require a safety brief?

Answer 20

Yes, the only thing the “observer” does not have is aviation safety training.

Question 21

Although the PI is responsible for the safety training of his team, what is the AC responsibility?

Answer 21

Question the PI as to if they have received the traning.