Line operation safety audit (LOSA) is a safety tool designed to gather cockpit observation without jeopardy whenever a normal flight operation occurs. It provides insights through knowing observable behavior by identifying latent and overt threats and aggregating crew performance and errors (Li et al., 2021). Analyzing threat management and error data enables organizations to determine the right countermeasures. Noteworthy, LOSA never focuses on who made the mistake but on the reasons and ways in which the defenses failed (Dingee 2018). Although understanding how the LOSA application works may be complex, it has many advantages and brings a systematic solution to any challenge without shifting blames.
One of the benefits of LOSA is that it aids in identifying the strengths and weaknesses of organizational procedures. Particularly it does safety audits on a normal flight which helps to identify the advantages and threats during flight (Li et al., 2021). The process is important as it shows where there is a need to invest in training and improving the errors. Moreover, the LOSA identifies the problem using procedures enabling the safety authority to understand and address its root cause (“Losa, “2022). The observer can view the way that the crew works under pressure to deal with an emerging threat. Furthermore, it offers a standardized method that can be used peer-to-peer and help in proactively addressing safety concerns. Thus, LOSA is a source of data that offers lead indicators to prevent mishaps.
The main feature of LOSA is that it is conducted during the usual flight operations without any prior intervention, such as debriefings, training, and inspections. Moreover, the data is collected anonymously and in a confidential manner because the intention is not to punish even if an error is identified (“Lines operations,” 2022). The participation is voluntary, such that if a crew member declines the LOSA observation, they do not suffer any consequences for their decisions (“Lines operations,” 2022). The data is verifiable and assessed against the standard operations procedures. The crews can receive feedback publications that they can use to enhance safety measures.
There are several examples where adapting the LOSA audit helped prevent incidents and accidents. For example, in 1996, Continental Airlines used the LOSA results as a baseline for gauging the effectiveness of their company (Information Resources Management Association, 2021). The findings were then used to make vital changes in several issues about the crew that were life-threatening to passengers. The managers decided to train the crew members, which enabled Continental to take a positive turn. Thus, being a proactive, non-punitive, and objective LOSA ensures that threats are identified by the management and corrections are made to prevent accidents.
In conclusion, LOSA is a safety tool developed for the aviation industry to enhance safety by mitigating threats. It is a non-jeopardy and objective audit that works through observing the crew attendants during their normal operations. The data is collected anonymously so that the focus is on improving performance rather than punishing the people for their mistakes. It benefits the management by ensuring that there is a proactive identification of threats and aborting to avoid accidents. The system offers anonymity, confidentiality, and independent decision making, which implies that the crew has no pressure to perform or act differently. Therefore, LOSA is a good tool for all people in the aviation industry to embrace for performance enhancement.
References
Dingee A. J. (2018). Delivering the right stuff: How the airlines’ evolution in human factors delivered safety and operational excellence. Lulu Publishing Services.
Li, Y., Liu, Z., Qin, K., Cui, J., Zeng, X., Ji, M., Lan, J., You, X., & Li, Y. (2021). Organizational trust and safety operation behavior in airline pilots: The mediating effects of organizational identification and organizational commitment. Journal of Air Transport Management, 92. Web.
Line operations safety audit. (2022). AFSEC Home. Web.
LOSA (Line operations safety audit). (2022). Baines Simmons Safety Services. Web.
Information Resources Management Association. (2021). Research anthology on reliability and safety in aviation systems spacecraft and air transport. Engineering Science Reference an imprint of IGI Global.