RAF Wittering Flight Safety

Not everybody at RAF Wittering flies aircraft but we are all responsible for Flight Safety

AIM

The aim of Flight Safety is to maximise operational capability by reducing those risks inherent in military aviation to a level as low as reasonably practicable.

BACKGROUND

Aircraft occurrences constitute a considerable drain on our limited resources of aircrew and aircraft upon which the Nation depends for its security. Military flying necessarily includes an element of risk, and a balance has to be reached between safety and the completion of the mission or task. In order to prevent such occurrences, Flight Safety organisations must gather and disseminate information, analyse trends, and predict future risks. While Flight Safety is an essential part of the task of everyone concerned with flying, general Flight Safety education should take place at all levels on a continuous basis.

WHO'S RESPONSIBLE

Flight Safety is the responsibility of personnel at all levels and is a function of command. The commander is best placed to balance the risks against the requirements of both missions and tasks. In pursuing the aim of Flight Safety, the effectiveness of a good safety culture depends on individuals at all levels integrating hazard identification and occurrence prevention efforts into every activity, and being accountable for complying with appropriate safety standards.

HAZARD AND RISK AWARENESS

Occurrence prevention depends on identifying and reporting hazards promptly and efficiently. Any person assigned, attached or under contract in support of flying operations is expected to report hazards that affect Flight Safety, such as unsafe procedures, practices, or conditions. During the relatively short history of aviation, most of the mistakes that could have been made, have been made. There are very few "new" occurrences: most simply repeat previous lessons that have been forgotten. This is especially true in an environment where personnel (including commanders) change over frequently. Risks which are trivial in themselves can, in combination with other factors, cause an occurrence. It is the job of Flight Safety staffs and representatives to help the chain of command to recognise and minimise these risks.