Inside the Aircraft Accident Investigation Process

Inside the Aircraft Accident Investigation ProcessInside the Aircraft Accident Investigation ProcessAviation in itself is not inherently dangerous. But to an even greater degree than the sea, it is terribly unforgiving of any carelessness, incapacity or neglect.- Capt A. G. Lamplugh, British Aviation Insurance Group According to the Air Transport Association, a person could fly every day for 3,859 years without being involved in an aircraft accident. Thats an accident rate of one accident for every 1.4 million flights, according to a CNN report(based on 2009 data). Air travel today remains safe, thanks in part to accident investigation. Findings from accident investigators pave the way for important safety improvements in aviation, like the recent changes to pilot duty and rest requirements that address the pilot fatigue problem that was a factor in so many accident reports. These changes are preventing accidents and saving lives. The accident investigation process is fairly simple on paper but can be complicated by intangible things like politics, legal action, and international differences, as well as physical demands such as rough terrain or post-accident damage from weather. There are many parties and factors involved in aircraft accident investigation, as outlined below. Whos Involved in an Investigation? IIC Every aircraft accident will have an Investigator-In-Chargeor IIC. It is the company or entity in dienstgrad of the entire investigation.NTSB In the United States, the National Transportation Safety Board is the authority on aircraft accident investigation, with the exception of some government and military accidents. In addition to their domestic duties, NTSB officials are often called to assist in foreign accidents based on their high level of experience and knowledge. Further, the NTSB can choose to investigate an incident or accident that they would not normally investigate to complete studies to enhance aviation safety further. ICAO The Inte rnational Civil Aviation Organization doesnt have any authority over a countrys investigation board, but it does produce standards and protocols that should be followed for accidents that represent two or more countries.FAA Although some might think that the FAA should be investigating airplane accidents, were lucky that they dont They do take part, mostly to determine if any regulations were broken and in general, to be aware of safety issues and legal action that might be necessary. Local Police/Fire/Medical ExaminersIf an accident occurs at an airport, theairports emergency planwill go into effect.For obvious reasons, the local fire, police or medical workers may be witnesses to the events just after an accident and are important to the investigation.FBI The FBI gets involved when accidents involve a national security breach or terrorism event. Others Various other organizations and officials may be involved in the post-investigation process in one way or another, either contribu ting to the investigation, as a witness or as in the case of the news media, a logistical addition. These other groupsmight include theaircraft manufacturers, aircraft operators, insurance companies, each EPA, the mediaor independent investigators and consultants. Accident Priorities Since the NTSB cannot possibly investigate each accident that happens in extreme detail, they have to spend their time where its most valuable. Therefore, aircraft accidents are divided into four categories ranging from major investigation to limited investigation. A major investigation will likely be conducted in the case that it involvesa large airline, important people, orterrorism. An entire team of people and resources will be devoted to a major investigation. A limited investigation, on the other hand, involves mostlylight aircraft accidents for which the NTSBreviews an operator-submitted report. According to Air Safety InvestigatorGrant Brophy, limited accidents are typically investigated by phone with various parties,based upon information reportedon NTSB 6120.1 form. On the Scene If the accident is big enough or important enough, the IIC will launch a Go-Team, which is a group of people predetermined to react to an accident of magnitude, such as an air carrier accident. The Go-Team usually includes the IIC, an NTSB board member, and various specialists, depending on the accident type. Iffor instance there is preliminary information that an engine failed, the aircrafts engine manufacturer and engineers will participate. Even before they arrive on the scene, the IIC will work to set up an operational base from which all members can be organized and given specific duties. Local police, fire, and rescue will be coordinated, as will security for the accident site and media initiatives arranged, when needed. First and foremost, victims and witnesses will be identified and given aid. The wreckage is then examined, photographed, videotaped and preserved. In some cases, it is sent away to be further examined at a lab. During the course of the investigation, measures are taken to secure wreckage in the way of hazardous material and other dangers to the investigative crew. Then the investigators will each work on their prospective assignments, depending on individual needs. A wreckage analysis is done to determine landing impact, velocity, and angle. The status of the propellers, flight instruments, and even the passenger seats can tell investigators a lot about what might have happened. Findings and Reports Once the field investigation is complete and each festivitt returns to its respective office, reports are written regarding the findings. Each party to the investigation typically drafts its own findings and analysis of the accident and submits it to the NTSB. The NTSB reviews each report and completes its own individual accident report. Eventually, (sometimes years after an accident), the report will be finalized. Members of the public can sea rch the NTSB database of accident reports to find out details of specific accidents. NTSB aircraft accident reports are used widely in the aviation industry. The reports are thorough, and the NTSB does its best to include the entire story from an impartial viewpoint. The NTSB also makes safety recommendations in each report to various parties, such as the FAA, aircraft manufacturers, airlines and air traffic controllers. These recommendations often spur action from organizations such as the FAA, preventing future accidents and ultimately, saving lives. Sources NTSB.comAircraft Accident Investigation, 2nd Edition (2006),by Richard H. Wood and Robert W. Sweginnis

Changing Industries, Then Changing Back

Changing Industries, Then Changing BackChanging Industries, Then Changing BackThis IT pro left technology marketing to earn his fortune in real estate. Five years later, he needed a new resume to return.Four years ago, Jan E. made what seemed like a good career move.After 12 years working as a marketing and business development specialist at technology companies in Californias Silicon Valley, Jan, who asked that his full name not be used, decided to take advantage of the regions rising property values and switch careers to real estate.It was something of a midlife crisis, he said of the switch. I was there in Silicon Valley sitting amongst this real-estate boom, and I decided to move my business-development skills into the real estate arena. I had a couple of really good years but also a couple of bad ones.As the real estate market tanked, Jan, of Cupertino, Calif., decided to return to technology marketing. He was worried the five-year absence would hurt his chances at a new job in IT, but he was able to craft a new resume that made it clear his marketing and business-development skills remained as strong as ever and that he never really left technology.Fifteen years laterIt had been nearly 15 years since Jan looked at his resume. I rarely needed one, he said. I always got all of my jobs through networking and word of mouth. People knew people who knew other people, or people knew my work or my reputation.But this time was different He was returning to an industry he had abandoned five years prior and at the height of a recession that pitted him against thousands of similar job seekers. He needed a resume that would get him past the front door and let his reputation earn the job.Andrew Pearl, a certified professional resume writer who works with Ladders, helped write a resume that corrected the impression Jan had stepped away from technology.Pearl started by making it clear that Jan never really left the field. He highlighted some high-tech work Jan had contin ued to do in an advisory role even while he was working in real estate.He took the role Ive done over the last few years where I did some consulting in the high-tech world and applied that to my resume, Jan said. It blended in.Jans new resume focuses strongly on his high-tech experiences, ranging from stints with large brand name PC and device makers to consulting and advisory positions with software solution providers.But in the end, Jan still believes in using old-fashioned shoe leather and phone calls to find a job.Having a great resume is great and necessary, but it doesnt excuse the need to network and get out in front of people.

Free Professional Chief Executive Officer Resume Template

Free Professional Chief Executive Officer Resume TemplateFree Professional Chief Executive Officer Resume TemplateIf you are an established executive applying for a position at a company with a by-the-book or conservative culture, you may want to consider using a professional resume style if you want the job. Like traditional resumes, professional resumes are rather to-the-point and place a strong emphasis on chronological succession. Unlike other resumes, there is very little room for creativity during the writing process. If you need help writing your professional resume, the chief executive officer template below and the accompanying tips may be able to provide you with unique ideas.Create ResumeCustomize ResumeWhat to Include in a Professional Chief Executive Officer ResumeWhen writing a professional resume, be sure that your work history is in chronological order. You should also try to avoid overly creative language and personal details. Place your contact information at the to p of your resume and follow it with your career summary, highlights, professional experience, and education do notlage include references. You will also want to place a high amount of emphasis on your experience section, especially since you are applying for an executive level position.Common Resume Fails Mistakes to AvoidToo Much Information When writing a professional resume, be sure to only include information that is relevant to your career. There is no need to discuss your hobbies, relationships, or details about unrelated jobs. For example, since you are applying to an executive position, there is no need to include information about the time you worked as a cashier.Poor Organization The distinguishing feature of a professional resume is its emphasis on organization and order. If your resume does not flow well, or you do not use a visually appealing format, you may not get the job. Remember, you are applying to a by-the-book company, so there is no need to get overly creative with formatting.Spelling Mistakes Before submitting your resume, it is always a good idea to proofread. If your resume contains numerous misspelled words or grammatical mistakes, you risk coming across as unprofessional.Gaps in Employment In your experience section, you should be sure that all of your jobs are in chronological order. If the dates do not match or there are extensive gaps in employment, your resume may not get you hired.Resume Content Emily Daniels 4591 Overbrook Drive, Los Altos Hills, CA 11111 555.621.2030 edanielsmail.com Summary Ambitious and intelligent accounting executive with a proven history of implementing successful strategies. Highly effective communication and leadership skills with the ability to manage 50+ employees. Vast experience in the accounting and finance industry with a strong knowledge of operations and menschengerecht resources. Ready to utilize over two decades of experience in a new and more influential executive role. Highlights Corporate turnaround and restructuringMergers and acquisitionsOrganizational skillsStrategy implementationTeam leadership and managementKnowledge of federal and state tax lawsWillingness to learnDigital marketing Experience Chief Executive Officer Stone Grant Accounting Associates Palo Alto, CA 10/1/2005 Present Facilitate communication between various departments and midlevel employees. Review quarterly budget and financial forecasts to determine health of company. Secured nearly $19 million in new accounts over the last 10 months. Helped oversee merger with Grant Accounting and co-developed restructuring plan with CFO and Senior Director of Mergers Acquisitions. Travel to various locations to discuss accounts with high-net-worth clients. Ensure that accountants and financial analysts adhere to government and company regulations. Senior Account Executive Richmond Accounting Firm San Francisco, CA 1/1/2002 9/1/2005 Oversaw acquisitions of new accounts increased corporate revenue by 8 %.Secured financing from various corporate and commercial investors.Discussed accounting options with prominent clientsIncreased department revenue by 11% in one year.Reported financial forecasts and marketing changes to company president.Education Master of Accounting, Master of Business Administration (MBA) University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA