At the Air Charter Safety Foundation (ACSF) Safety Symposium this week, speakers and participants shared important safety information, lessons learned, and opportunities for improvement. The symposium began with an acknowledgment that business aviation's safety record hasn’t gotten off to a good start in the first quarter, with three fatal business jet accidents and nine fatalities occurring in the U.S., up from two accidents and two fatalities during the same period last year.
Held at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, not only was the ACSF Symposium an opportunity for business aviation operators to share safety ideas, but the organization also welcomed Embry-Riddle students to participate. The event began on Monday with a panel of industry experts sharing their career experiences, and this was well attended by Embry-Riddle students who are interested in business aviation opportunities.
During the following two days, sessions covered managing risk; just culture in human factors; runway excursions and incursions; the hype of advanced air mobility; concepts of proactive compliance in building a culture of excellence; safety through the lens of system theoretical analysis; the biological basis of complacency; and safety issues related to hangar and production facilities.
The emotional final day presentation by the parents of Colgan Air Flight 3407 victim Lorin Maurer highlighted issues facing affected families when aircraft accidents happen.