Establishing a Total Safety Culture within a Flight Department

Abstract

This article will present behavior-based principles and procedures that can be successfully applied to change safety attitudes in a Flight Department. First, limitations and flaws of the human condition are discussed, and three basic ways employees can learn safe behavior are addressed. Next, Crew Resource Management is proposed as a tool to increase overall safety in Business Aviation. Safety is then reviewed in the context of the overall goals of the corporation and the cost of doing business. Senior Corporate management is identified as holding the key to the successful and safe operation of the corporate Flight Department. Finally, critical issues surrounding Corporate Culture and the ultimate goal of a Total Safety Culture are discussed. Recommendations are then made to increase the overall safety level of the Business Aviation environment.

Authors

• Homan, Willem J Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Rantz, William G Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University
• Balden, Blair R Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University