An overall 31 percent decrease in aviation fatalities was one of the best news stories of fiscal year 2011 — Army aviation’s safest year since Sept. 11, 2001. The UH-60 community delivered the most notable number of the year — a 100 percent reduction in fatalities, down to zero from 11 in fiscal year 2010. Crew deaths in the AH-64 and OH-58 airframes remained steady with the previous year, leaving the AH-6 and UH-72 as the only areas of increase in 2011 (one fatal accident with multiple fatalities was recorded for each aircraft).

Considering the demand for aviation assets in theater, training hours logged in the Continental United States, or CONUS, and the conditions in which Army aviation operates worldwide, fiscal year 2011’s safety performance is a stellar achievement.

One interesting aspect of aviation’s 2011 numbers is that, despite a decline in Class A and B accidents, Class C mishaps actually increased during the year. However, this can be seen as a positive indicator of healthy learning organizations applying lessons learned from lesser incidents and mitigating risk more effectively. Aviation provides an excellent example for the rest of the Army in that, while accidents can and do happen, crews continually learn from and overcome mistakes made by others.

Training remains the most important element of safe aviation operations, whether in theater or at home. During the past several years, the Army has increased its investment in high-altitude and environmental training opportunities, using the HAMET program and HAATS. This training closely replicates conditions in theater and provides an excellent opportunity for pilots and crews to familiarize themselves with safe operations in adverse environments.

Leaders must also take advantage of the Army’s Aircrew Coordination Training-Enhanced program, which prepares crews to work together and communicate clearly in every situation. This program should be treated as an ongoing training tool rather than an annual requirement, for communication is the most critical skill any crewmember can possess in the cockpit. Additionally, leaders should stay focused on emerging aviation trends to prevent similar accidents from occurring within their own formations.

As important as manned aircraft are to our Army’s missions, we cannot forget the contributions of unmanned aircraft systems, or UAS, to our operations overseas. While UAS accidents might not seem as urgent as manned incidents with fatalities, the fact is these systems are vital combat multipliers costing into millions of dollars, and we lost 12 in fiscal year 2011. Leaders must ensure their units have up-to-date reporting systems in place and a trained safety officer designated for reporting duties when mishaps occur. Only by sharing this data can we report lessons learned and keep our fleet of UAS available to commanders and Soldiers.

Source: US Army
Photo: Rob Vogelaar, Z.A.P.P.