LOSA is a formal, proactive process that aviation service providers can use to reduce risk and save money.
Every LOSA has an intensive data collection component. Data collection is performed by highly trained and highly qualified observers. These observers should intimately know the task and procedures being observed in routine operations.
LOSA management software saves you time and money collecting and collating data to allow management to make meaningful decisions based on scientifically proven processes.
A LOSA management solution should offer real-time “sneak previews” into each particular LOSA. Each LOSA may consist of 80 to 120 observations collected within a time period of between a few weeks to a few months.
Being able to familiarize yourself with the submitted observational data before the final report may be advantageous to decision makers, as well as to final report writers.
There are five components to LOSA Management Software:
Dashboard offering real-time view into observational data;
Online data collection;
Offline data collection (suitable for IPad, IPhone, Android, Laptops);
Data cleaning and validation performed by managers; and
MS Excel export for further analysis.
For the LOSA data collection process, we recommend the Offline Observation Form. This ensures observers will not “time out” and they will be working with a very responsive collection tool. Online data collection tools are subject to electrical network interference, slow bandwidth, and session time-outs due to browser inactivity.
In a perfect world, your LOSA Management System will be integrated with your aviation safety management solution. For example, managers could easily submit reported issues based on errors or undesirable conditions.
When LOSA programs are integrated into aviation SMS programs, there is a higher likelihood that corrective preventive actions (CPAs) will be implemented and tracked.
SMS Pro (www.asms-pro.com) users can realize the advantages of an integrated LOSA-SMS solution with no additional integration fees. Other aviation SMS solutions will have to be analyzed on a case-by-case basis.
Most of the LOSA Management dashboard charts are interactive. In this example, one can easily move from Threats, to Errors to Undesirable Aircraft States.
There are two predominant user roles in the LOSA Management solution:
LOSA Observers (primary data collection agents); and
LOSA Managers (data cleaning and validation).
Observations are no longer editable once observers submit observations for the “Data Cleaning and Integrity Check”
Observers can have multiple observations in progress on their device (IPad, IPhone ,Smart Phone, Laptop). They can return at any time to “In Progress” observations to fill out narratives.
LOSA Observers can only see their own observations. Even though the Data Collection forms were created for an IPad-size device, we have had many observers use their IPhone to capture observations.
Users viewing the Online LOSA Data Collection form, one will see the link to the Offline LOSA, which is recommended to all observers.
When working offline, observers can be assured that their session to the application server does not time out. Furthermore, this Web application is much more responsive and behaves like an “app.”
Each LOSA variant follows a best-in-class template prepared by LOSA professionals. To ensure data completeness, default behavior requires all fields to be filled out before proceeding to the next step.
This requirement may seem annoying to some users, but there are work-arounds. If you don’t like certain behavior, NWDS can modify behavior for a nominal charge.
As you can see from this screenshot, there are many data collection elements. Historically, LOSA data collection has been performed on a paper form. LOSA forms were then submitted to a data-entry person who entered the data either into a database or Excel spreadsheet.
LOSA Management software reduces the burden and expense of data entry personnel and the high probability of error resulting from the data entry process.
Transcription of LOSA data from paper forms into an electronic database can introduce substantial errors, with error rates as high as 6.5%.
LOSA observation forms certainly increase the validity of LOSA data. They also offer management some assurance that recommendations resulting from these data points are based on quality data inputs.
Weber BA, Yarandi H, Rowe MA, Weber JP. A comparison study: paper-based versus web-based data collection and management Appl Nurs Res 2005;18:182-185.
LOSA Management software follows the recommended Threat and Error Management (TEM) model.
TEM came from the partnership between the University of Texas Human Factors Research Project (UT) and Delta Airlines in 1994. They developed a line audit methodology utilizing jump-seat observations on scheduled flights.
There are three basic components in the TEM framework,: threats, errors and undesired (aircraft) states.
Threats - events or errors occurring beyond the influence of line personnel. Threats increase operational complexity and must be managed to maintain operational safety.
Errors - actions or inactions by line personnel causing deviations from operational procedures. Errors frequently lead to undesired states. Operational errors tend to reduce operational safety and increase the probability of undesirable events.
Undesired states - operational conditions where unintended situations reduce operational safety. Undesired states resulting from ineffective threat and/or error management may reduce operational safety. UAS is frequently considered as the last stage before an accident or incident.
The value of any aviation service provider rests on its ability to adapt quickly by making informed and effective decisions. But management's decision-making power is only as strong as its underlying data. Weak data erodes confidence, creates delays or worse – it could lead to misguided judgments and fatal accidents.
Alternatively, a robust LOSA data management program provides a foundation for accountability, transparency, operational efficiency and the development of more effective policies and procedures.
LOSA data management choices are decisive business issues. For any aviation service provider considering a LOSA program, these are the stakes:
Increased Revenue
Revenue growth and operational efficiency to help compete efficiently in the marketplace. An effective LOSA data management solution has the ability to integrate data from multiple sources, including your aviation safety management system (SMS). With accurate, timely data, aviation safety professionals can tailor procedures that respond to inefficient and unsafe workflows.
Reduce Operational Risk
Ignorance is not where you want to be. Ignorance can sink profits and undermine stakeholder confidence. A strong LOSA data solution provides both speed and flexibility: speed via rapid access to real-time data; flexibility that allows you to immediately benefit from LOSA observations in dashboard views.
Reduce The Time Adapt to Change
One of the biggest barriers to LOSA benefits is inadequate access to actionable data. Many months are often required. Integrating multiple data perspectives into a single dashboard view allows safety professionals to monitor and manage safety concerns. A quality LOSA data management solution facilitates effective statistical analysis and efficient decision making.
Increase Productivity
Aviation safety professionals must be at liberty to focus on what they do best – reduce risk to "as low as reasonably practical" (ALARP). The right LOSA data management tools deliver information your professionals need when they want it – and allow them to initiate change in policies and procedures that will reduce operational risk.
Regardless of whether you have an established LOSA program, or are starting a new program, you will certainly benefit from this LOSA software solution.