An FAA program for non-punitive reporting of safety concerns among air traffic controllers needs "significant improvements" before it can become effective, according to a report issued last Thursday by the Transportation Department Office of Inspector General. "Failure to address potential deficiencies in transparency and accountability may lead to the perception that the Air Traffic Safety Action Program is an amnesty program," the report says. For example, although the reports are meant to reveal safety issues while protecting the controllers who submit them, the OIG says reports have been accepted in the program that address "air traffic controller conduct issues," rather than performance concerns. For example, these include controllers falling asleep, viewing a personal video player while on position, and refusing to take handoffs.
This is a companion discussion topic for the original entry at https://www.avweb.com/air-shows-events/report-atc-safety-program-not-working