General Aviation News readers are fascinated by NTSB accident reports. While I understand the interest, especially as a learning tool, I’ve remained perpetually puzzled by the volume of interest.
Many years ago, in our print publication, we chose – if I recall correctly – to not include the NTSB Accident Reports in a particular issue. Suffice it to say, the feedback on the decision was not favorable.
So several years ago when Jeffrey Madison pitched the idea of a Human Factors column for General Aviation News, utilizing the NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) as the source for material and inspiration, I was intrigued.
His idea was to provide context to the thousands of reports that are filed each month. What made the column so successful, in my opinion, was Jeffrey’s tireless research to provide that context by topic. Utilizing more than one report to show commonality across different certificate levels, aircraft, geography, experience, and more made for a fun and educational read.
And nearly 70 columns later, I believe Jeffrey has contributed greatly to the aviation accident/incident dialogue in general and “why” pilots do what they do — or don’t do.
Online, it is rare that Jeffrey’s columns receive little or no interest in the form of comments. The majority of his columns have spurred a spirited debate, which is good for all involved.
Jeffrey’s final column, appropriately called Frequency Change, announces his sign-off. But not before he shares a final few lessons on the topic of unauthorized frequency changes.
Jeffrey’s columns will remain in our web archive. Jeffrey did ask if this was possible and it was an easy yes. They can be seen here: https://generalaviationnews.com/tag/human-factors/
In the media business, we call Jeffrey’s column “evergreen” content. It is as valuable today as it was when he started in 2014 and will remain so far into the future.
Jeffrey’s energies will now be directed at the climate. He’ll be part of a media organization called TheClimate.org. It’ll launch this summer. And if he pours just half the energy into that opportunity that he did with Human Factors, there can be little doubt it’ll be a success.
Begrudgingly Jeffrey…frequency change approved.
Reviewing aircraft crashes and other incidents is critical to aviation safety. None of us will live long enough to make these mistakes/ errors ourselves.
The important part of the analysis is to learn what actions a pilot might make to avoid the situations that led to the crashes.
Thank you Jeffery and Ben for posting this articles and allowing us, the pilot community, to comment on them.
I’m a FAASafety Rep and have presented seminars on aviation crashes at a USAF Aero Culb.
Also, the EAA offers chapters to organiize VMC and IMC club meetings to review actual situations that pilots find themselves in. But, it is up to the group discussion to suggest ‘what would you do ?’
I hope that GA News can continue with these articles and the valuable comment/ discussions that follow.
Thanks Jeffrey !! Great Job !!