LOSA (Line-Oriented Safety Audit) is a safety auditing technique used in the aviation industry to analyze and assess flight crew performance and safety culture. It involves the detailed observation and evaluation of flight crew behavior, specifically focusing on crew resource management (CRM) and standard operating procedures (SOPs) during line operations.
LOSA is conducted by trained observers who accompany flight crews on selected flights, monitoring their actions, interactions, and decision-making processes. These observers collect objective data on crew behavior, situational awareness, communication, problem-solving, and adherence to established procedures. The goal is to identify potential threats, errors, and safety hazards that may exist in routine flight operations.
The data collected through LOSA is analyzed and used to provide feedback and recommendations for improvement to the flight crews, as well as to the airline management. This feedback is aimed at enhancing crew performance, reducing errors, and promoting a positive safety culture within the organization.
LOSA is regarded as a proactive, non-punitive, and voluntary safety tool that focuses on identifying strengths and weaknesses in flight operations. It helps to proactively identify latent organizational and human performance issues before they lead to accidents or incidents. By analyzing crew behavior and fostering a culture of open communication, LOSA contributes to the continuous improvement of safety standards in aviation.
Overall, LOSA plays a vital role in ensuring the safety of flight operations by providing valuable insights into the performance and effectiveness of flight crews, leading to the development and implementation of targeted safety enhancements.
