Training and Recruitment of Aircraft
Accident Investigators
1. Introduction
1.1.
Aircraft accident investigation is a specialized task which
should only be undertaken by qualified investigators. It is therefore of the utmost
importance that suitable persons are identified and appropriately trained to
carry out this difficult task and to be able to obtain job satisfication
in this as their chosen career.
1.2.
The investigation of an aircraft accident is also a task
that can be almost unlimited in scope. Therefore, some investigations will be
curtailed by the resources available, unless proper management of the investigations
is exercised. The investigator-in-charge is responsible for ensuring that the
expenditure of the resources available results in an investigation that
extracts the maximum benefit to the safety of aviation.
2.
Recruiting of
Investigators
2.1.
The experience and employment background of an aspiring
investigator is therefore a very important aspect in the recruitment and
training of aircraft accident investigators. Potential accident investigators
must have considerable practical experience in aviation as a foundation on
which to build their investigation skills. This experience can be acquired from
civil or military qualification as a pilot, aeronautical engineer or aircraft
maintenance engineer. Personnel qualified in flight operations, airworthiness,
air traffic management, or aviation-related management may also be suitable for
accident investigator training.
3
Training of
Investigators
3.1
Training will involve the progressive training considered
necessary to qualify a person for the various investigation roles, including
appointment as the investigator-in-charge of an investigation into a major
accident involving a large transport category aircraft.
3.2
Since accident investigations will often involve specialized
areas, it is important that those selected for training as investigators
understand the aviation infrastructure and are able to relate to the many
different areas of aviation. Since the outcome of an accident investigation is
largely dependent upon the aviation knowledge, skills and experience of the
assigned aircraft accident investigators, they should have:
o
an understanding of the depth of investigation that is
necessary in order for the investigation to conform with the legislation,
regulations and other requirements of the State for which they are conducting
the investigation;
o
a
knowledge of aircraft accident investigation techniques;
o
an
understanding of aircraft operations and the relevant technical areas of
aviation;
o
the
ability to obtain and manage the relevant technical assistance and resources
required to support the investigation;
o
the
ability to collect, document and preserve evidence;
o
the
ability to identify and analyse pertinent evidence in
order to determine the causes and, if appropriate, make safety recommendations;
and
o
the ability to write a final report that meets the requirements of the
accident investigation authority of the State conducting the investigation.
3.3
Training a person for aircraft accident investigation
involves several phases. These phases include initial training, on-the-job
training, a basic accident investigation course and an advanced accident
investigation course supplemented by specialized courses. While on-the-job
training is an ongoing process that continues for many years, there should be
sufficient time intervals between each formal course to allow the investigator
to consolidate the information and the techniques learned. Formal courses are
designed to complement on-the-job training by exposing trainee investigators to
a cadre of experts who can pass on the details of their specialties to their
students. The experts are usually recruited from those with experiences in a
particular area of accident investigation. They include experienced
investigators, aviation medicine physicians, psychologists, aeronautical
engineers and manufacturers’ representatives.
3.4
Structured courses in aircraft accident investigation are
conducted by universities, manufacturers, military establishments, accident
investigation authorities and other educational institutions.
3.5
Following the initial training, an accident investigation
authority should provide on-the-job training for a new investigator. During
this second phase, the new investigator will practice the procedures and tasks
covered in the initial training, and gain familiarity with investigation
techniques. This training will also familiarize him with the investigation
tasks at the accident site, the collection of factual information, the analysis
of the factual information and the development of the final report. The conduct
of on-the-job training often involves more than one experienced investigator
and is not limited to investigations within the State that employs the
trainee/investigator.
4. Attributes
of an Investigator
4.1
In addition to technical skills and experience, an accident
investigator requires certain personal attributes. These attributes include
integrity and impartiality in the recording of facts; the ability to analyze
facts in a logical manner; perseverance in pursuing inquiries, often under
difficult or trying conditions; and tact in dealing with a wide range of people
who have been involved in the traumatic experience of an aircraft accident.
4.2
Investigators are also expected to be prepared to travel for
extended periods of time at short notice, both within
4.3
It may at times also require the handling and removal of
body parts involving fatalities and working closely with the SAPS and
pathologists.
4.4
A career involving aircraft accident investigation does call
for support by an understanding family.
5. Recruitment
by the SACAA
5.1
The South African Civil Aviation System is on the brink of
being restructured in terms of new Civil Aviation primary legislation. Once
enacted as an Act, this will result in the separation of the functions of the
safety oversight by the SACAA and that of accident and serious incident
investigation, into an independent Aviation Safety Investigation Board (ASIP).
5.2
Considering this pending restructuring, it is not foreseen
that the SACAA will be recruiting or train any new aircraft accident
investigators in the short term.
5.3
Once the new Civil Aviation Act is introduced, the situation
in respect of recruitment will be reviewed. Some investigation capability will
have to be retained by the SACAA.
5.4
It is expected that the new ASIP will give preference to the
employment of investigators with an aviation background and experience.
6. Alternative
employment opportunities
6.1
Employment opportunities may also exist in other organisations within the South African Civil Aviation
system such as airlines; other operators; insurance companies and the legal
profession.
6.2
Overall it is estimated that there are less than 3000
experienced investigators worldwide, with the result that there is little scope
for accelerated career progression or relocation possibilities. The majority of
accident investigators are normally employed by the single investigation
authority of the State involved.
7. Accident
investigation as a career
7.1
To be successful and have job satisfaction in his or her
career as an investigator, there is a need for dedication, a willingness to
work under stressful conditions and to have a desire and an unwavering interest
to improve aviation safety. Without this, the investigator will not be
successful and be able to obtain job satisfaction in this chosen career.
_________________________________________________________________________
Issued By:
The Office of the Executive Manager:
Accident and Incident Investigation
Division
SACAA
May 2009
Ref. ICAO Circular 298-AN/172 - Training Guidelines for Aircraft Accident Investigators