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United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

Safety: Continuous Improvement

We have achieved an unprecedented level of safety because we are never satisfied with the status quo and are always seeking improvement.  Complacency has no place in our duty to the American public and we can never rest on our accomplishments. Aviation safety requires a team effort from all stakeholders and must be addressed from all perspectives.

Aircraft simulator

Safety as a Mindset

Safety Data Analysis - The FAA continually collects and analyzes safety data to identify potential areas of risk and develops ways to mitigate those risks. We collaborate through government-industry groups like the Commercial Aviation Safety Team to share data and develop strategies to mitigate risk.

Safety Culture and Reporting - The FAA actively manages reporting programs that allow aviation professionals to report a potential safety issue. We are committed to fostering a safety culture in the FAA that empowers employees to raise safety concerns without fear of retaliation.  

Safety Management Systems (SMS) - A Safety Management System enables an organization to identify, assess, and take steps to mitigate risk.  The FAA has required scheduled airlines to have these systems in place since 2018 and, in April 2024, we issued new requirements for charter airlines, commuter airlines, air tour operators, and certain aircraft manufacturers to also implement these systems in their operations.  

Air Traffic Controller Fatigue 

In December 2023, we commissioned an independent panel of fatigue experts to assess controller fatigue risks to our system and provide a roadmap to mitigate these risks. The panel submitted its report in April 2024, recommending key reforms. We began implementing the recommendations immediately to ensure air traffic controllers are getting sufficient rest and we are also working to implement longer term, systemic changes. 

Pilot Mental Health 

In November 2023, we established a Pilot Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) to provide recommendations on breaking down the barriers that prevent pilots from reporting mental health issues to the agency.  Committee members included U.S. aviation industry trade associations, pilot and air traffic controller representative organizations, academia, and medical professionals. 

We received the Committee recommendations in April 2024, and began to implement May 2024. The committee’s work builds on the FAA’s pilot mental health priorities.  

Stakeholder Safety Summit 

In March 2023, more than 200 safety leaders from across the aviation industry met to discuss ways to enhance flight safety as part of the FAA’s Aviation Safety Summit. Discussions focused on commercial operations, the air traffic system, airport and ground operations, and general aviation operations. Following the summit, the FAA undertook a series of safety initiatives in pursuit of our goal of zero serious close calls.

Independent Safety Review Team 

Following the Safety Summit, we established an independent safety review team to further examine ways to enhance safety and reliability in the nation’s air traffic system. The team examined the FAA’s internal safety processes, staffing levels and practices, as well as resources and equipment for facilities and how the agency’s air traffic budget is funded. We took immediate actions to enhance air traffic controller training and safety reporting following the release of the report

Certification Reform 

The FAA has made extensive improvements to the aircraft certification process. We are delegating less responsibility to manufacturers and increasing oversight when delegation is deemed appropriate; conducting detailed reviews of how aircraft systems work and interact with one another; ensuring that a variety of piloting skills are considered when determining training requirements; expanding the use of independent groups of safety experts for certification projects; and encouraging the reporting of safety concerns and the sharing of information by all parties.

international flags

Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program

Improvement to aviation safety is an enduring international goal. As a member of the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), the United States is responsible for demonstrating its implementation of international standards set forth by this body. To assess a State’s capabilities in providing safety oversight, ICAO conducts evaluations of its member countries at scheduled intervals through its Universal Safety Oversight Audit Program (USOAP).

In July 2024, ICAO evaluated the United States safety oversight systems again through its USOAP process which includes the work of the FAA, along with several other U.S. government organizations (e.g., NTSB, U.S. Coast Guard). The comprehensive audit encompassed 790 questions and covered eight areas of safety oversight, ranging from aircraft operations and aircraft airworthiness to aircraft accident investigation and air navigation services. Following the completion of the audit, the U.S. received a score of 89.08% with no significant safety concerns.

The United States was last evaluated in 2007.

As the regulator of the busiest and complex aviation system in the world, the FAA understands that safety is not a one-time achievement, it is a continuous pursuit that requires routine improvement and evaluation. The FAA is committed to continuing its work to enhance safety as the airspace becomes busier and new challenges present themselves.

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence

Artificial Intelligence (AI) has generated significant interest in aviation, from offline applications to process control to on-aircraft autonomy. Prior to its utilization in aviation, this technology must demonstrate its safety. However, it presents a new challenge for systems that achieve performance and capability by learning rather than design due to the absence of engineering principles that guide the traditional engineering design process.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) developed a roadmap with industry and other aviation regulators to establish the guiding principles for assuring the safety of artificial intelligence in aviation and to establish priorities and plans for its safe introduction.

"The challenge we face for the 21st century is how to deliver increasing levels of service while maintaining the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world," FAA Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety David Boulter said. "Technology and innovation present tremendous opportunities and challenges for sustainability of the aerospace system."

The FAA looks forward to working with the aviation industry, other aviation regulators, and US government agencies in executing and refining this roadmap.

Last updated: Thursday, January 16, 2025