1 DEFINITION OF AIR TRAFFIC INCIDENTS
1.1 “Air traffic incident” is used to define a serious occurrence related to the provision of
ATS, such as:
- Aircraft proximity (AIRPROX),
- serious difficulty resulting in a hazard to aircraft caused, for example, by:
- faulty procedures,
- non-compliance with procedures, or
- failure of ground facilities.
Definitions for aircraft proximity and AIRPROX.
Aircraft proximity
A situation in which, in the opinion of the pilot or the ATS personnel, the distance between aircraft, as well as their relative positions and speed, has been such that the safety of the aircraft involved may have been jeopardized. Aircraft proximity is classified as follows:
Risk of collision
The risk classification of aircraft proximity in which serious risk of collision has existed.
Safety not assured
The risk classification of aircraft proximity in which the safety of the aircraft may have been jeopardized.
No risk of collision
The risk classification of aircraft proximity in which no risk of collision has existed.
Risk not determined
The risk classification of aircraft proximity in which insufficient information is available to determine the risk involved, or inconclusive or conflicting evidence precludes such determination.
AIRPROX
The code word used in an air traffic incident report to designate aircraft proximity.
1.2 Air traffic incidents are designated and identified in reports as follows:
| TYPE | DESIGNATION |
|---|
| Air traffic incident | Incident |
| As a) above | AIRPROX (aircraft proximity) |
| As b) 1) and 2) above | Procedure |
| As b) 3) above | Facility |
2 USE OF THE AIR TRAFFIC INCIDENT REPORTING FORM
The Air Traffic Incident Reporting Form is intended to be used:
- by a pilot for filing a report on an air traffic incident after arrival or for confirming a report made initially by radio during the flight.
- by an ATS unit for recording an air traffic incident report received by radio, telephone or fax.
3 REPORTING PROCEDURES (INCLUDING IN-FLIGHT PROCEDURES)
3.1 The following are the procedures to be followed by a pilot who is or has been involved in the incident:
- during flight, to use the appropriate air/ground frequency for reporting an incident of major significance, particularly if it involves other aircraft, so as to permit the facts to be ascertained immediately;
- as promptly as possible after landing, to submit a completed “Air Traffic Incident Reporting Form”:
- for confirming a report of an incident made initially as in a) above, or for making the initial report on such an incident if it was not possible to report it by radio,
- for reporting an incident which did not require immediate notification at the time of occurrence.
3.2 The confirmatory report on an incident of major significance initially reported by radio or the initial report on any other incident should be submitted to Civil Aviation Department of Transport Competency Agency. For contact details see
GEN 1.1.
4 PURPOSE OF REPORTING AND HANDLING OF THE FORM
4.1 The purpose of accident and incident investigation is to promote aviation safety and to prevent recurrence, not to attribute blame or liability.
4.2 The purpose of reporting is to provide investigatory authorities with as complete information on occurrences as possible and thereby enable them to report back, with the least possible delay to parties concerned, the result of the investigation and, if appropriate, the remedial action taken.
4.3 Occurrence information is disidentified and stored in ECCAIRS (European Co-ordination Centre for Aviation Incidents Reporting Systems) database, which is used to monitor the status of aviation safety.