Aviation Safety Management System Investigator (SMS Investigator)

Program Overview

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This Aviation Safety Management System Investigator course trains individuals to conduct objective investigations within an operator's SMS, applying just culture principles. Participants learn from experienced investigators and engage in practical exercises, including a simulated investigation, to develop their skills in evidence collection, analysis, and report writing. The program prepares graduates for careers in aviation safety investigation and management, equipping them to contribute to improved safety performance in the industry.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Aviation Safety Management System Investigator (SMS Investigator)

This course focuses on the investigation of aviation safety events within an operator's Safety Management System (SMS) using best practices. It is designed for individuals who will conduct safety investigations as part of their work for aircraft operators, manufacturers, Air Navigation Service Providers (ANSPs), or Maintenance Repair and Overhaul (MRO) providers. Participants will learn how to conduct objective and evidence-based investigations, apply just culture principles, and contribute to improved safety performance.

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Objectives:

• To conduct safety investigations within an aviation service provider's SMS, in accordance with ICAO Annex 19.
• To apply just culture principles throughout the investigation process.
• To operate as an advisor in support of a serious incident or accident investigation conducted by a State Investigation Agency.

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Program Description:

The course includes a combination of lectures, workshops, practical exercises, and a simulated investigation. Participants will learn from experienced investigators, technical specialists, and academic staff. They will also access online materials related to ICAO Annex 13 State investigations, media handling, and cabin safety investigations.

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Additional Features:

• An optional element to the course allows submission of a written investigation report for personalized feedback.
• The course is delivered by the Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre, which has over 45 years of experience in air safety investigation training.

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Outline:

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Course Structure:

• The course takes participants through the entire investigation process, from event notification to report publication and recommendations.
• Interactive lectures, workshops, practical exercises, and a simulated investigation allow participants to develop their skills.
• An investigation tutorial based on the University's accident investigation laboratory provides hands-on experience.
• Guest speakers from the aviation safety and investigation community, including airlines and State investigation agencies, offer real-world insights.
• A key element is the simulated investigation of an occurrence, involving evidence collection and analysis leading to safety recommendations.

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Core Content:

• Notification and reporting of incidents and accidents.
• Initial response actions.
• Investigation within the context of safety management systems/ICAO Annex 19.
• Application of "just culture" principles.
• Legislation and Regulation (ICAO Annex 13, European regulation 996/ 2010).
• Managing accident site hazards.
• Evidence identification, preservation, and collection.
• Accessing and using recorded data.
• Interviewing techniques.
• Investigating human and organizational performance.
• Analytical techniques.
• Investigation management.
• Working with State Investigation Agencies (SIAs).
• Dealing with the news media.
• Working with families and affected parties.
• Safety investigation report writing.
• Developing and managing recommendations and safety actions.
• Operator case studies.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Continuous assessment through active participation in lectures, workshops, and the simulated investigation.
• Written assignment: optional report on the simulated investigation for personalized feedback.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Demonstrated understanding of the principles and practice of aviation safety investigation.
• Ability to apply just culture principles to the investigation process.
• Effective communication and collaboration skills.
• Critical thinking and analytical skills.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• Interactive lectures
• Case studies
• Group discussions
• Workshops
• Practical exercises
• Guest speaker presentations
• Simulated investigation

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Faculty:

• Graham Braithwaite, Professor of Safety and Accident Investigation
• Marc St-Laurent, Lecturer in Air Safety Investigation
• Experienced investigators, technical specialists, and academic staff

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Unique Approaches:

• Blending theoretical knowledge with practical exercises to ensure participants gain hands-on experience.
• The simulated investigation allows participants to apply their learning in a realistic setting.
• Guest speakers provide insights from their real-world experience in the aviation safety and investigation field.

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Careers:

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Potential Career Paths:

• Aviation safety investigator within an operator's SMS
• Safety manager for an aviation organization
• Investigator within an Air Navigation Service Provider (ANSP)
• Safety consultant for aviation organizations
• Academic or research positions related to aviation safety

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Career Opportunities:

• This course prepares graduates for a variety of career opportunities within the aviation industry, focusing on safety investigation and management.
• Graduates will be qualified to conduct investigations, implement safety management systems, and contribute to continuous improvement in aviation safety.

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Other:

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Concessions:

• A 10% discount on the course fee is available for groups of two or more delegates from the same organization (excluding accommodation).

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Accommodation:

• The course offers an exclusive accommodation package at Mitchell Hall, located on campus and offering en-suite rooms with half-board meals.
• The cost of the package is £1,080 (including all meals for the weekend of 23rd and 24th March 2024).

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Location and Travel:

• Cranfield University is located in Bedfordshire, close to the border with Buckinghamshire.
• It is conveniently situated between junctions 13 and 14 of the M1 motorway, offering easy access from London and other major cities.
• London Luton, Stansted, and Heathrow airports are all within a 30-90 minute drive, providing excellent connections to international destinations.