July 7, 2021
The NASA Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS), a valuable resource for collecting pilot reports and safety data, is now open to unmanned aircraft system (UAS) pilots and crewmembers.
Reportable events include airspace incursion/excursions, altitude or procedure deviations, equipment issues, fly away, lost link and uncontrolled descent events. The ASRS should not be used to report accidents or criminal activity, including reckless endangerment or criminal mischief.
The person manipulating the controls, a visual observer, remote pilot-in-command or other crewmember may use the system. Individuals submitting reports are generally immune from FAA enforcement action, including civil penalties and certificate action.
“NBAA has long been a proponent of safety reporting for all segments of aviation. Without safety data gleaned from real-life operations, full integration of UAS would be difficult. Sharing lessons learned is a key component to understanding and mitigating risk,” said Heidi Williams, NBAA’s director of air traffic and infrastructure and liaison for the association’s Emerging Technologies Committee.
The ASRS, established in 1976, is a confidential, nonpunitive reporting system. Although identifying information is collected in case NASA has questions for the submitter, that information is automatically removed from the report unless needed.
ASRS data is used to improve the National Airspace System, guide future rule changes and provide recommendations for training.
“NBAA is pleased to see this long-standing, valuable resource be adapted to meet emerging segments of aviation,” Williams added.
International Business Aviation Council Ltd.