Q&A about Occurrence Reporting
Why should I report?
There is a need to learn from accidents and incidents so as to take appropriate action to prevent the repetition of such events. In addition, it is important that even apparently minor occurrences are reported to the local authorities, in order to prevent catalysts for major accidents. Analysis and investigation are necessary and effective means of improving safety, by learning the appropriate lessons from occurrences and adopting preventative actions.
What shall be reported?
All occurrences, also seemingly insignificant incidents, shall be reported. Regulation (EU) No 376/2014 of the European Parliament and of the Council on reporting, analysis and follow-up of occurrences in civil aviation came into force in EU on November 15 2015. The Commission Implementing Regulation (EU) 2015/1018 lays down a list which classifies occurrences in civil aviation subject to mandatory occurrence reporting (MOR) according to Regulation (EU) No 376/2014. Voluntary occurrence reporting (VOR) shall be practiced if the occurrence is not covered by MOR but is still perceived as a potential threat to, or might affect aviation safety. VOR is analyzed and followed-up in the same manner as MOR.
How will my reported information be used?
Your and others' contributions are essential in our work to improve aviation safety. Filed reports are subject to confidentiality, and are not available to the media or other parties in aviation (or elsewhere). Reported occurrences will be made anonymous and filed in the Icelandic national database, where they will be included in different statistics and summaries used to improve aviation safety. Some of these statistics will be published on our website. Accidents and serious incidents will investigated by the Icelandic Accident Investigation Board.
What is “Just Culture”?
Iceland is a country with established “Just Culture” in aviation. Defined by International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and adopted by its members, Just Culture is: “A culture where front line operators are not punished for actions, omissions or decisions taken by them that are commensurate with their experience and training, but where gross negligence, willful violations and destructive acts are not tolerated.”
According to Article 141 of the Aviation Act no. 60/1998, a party giving notice pursuant to regulations no. 900/2017 (EU 376/2014) will not be punished or subjected to sanctions even in the event of violation of the provisions of the Act or rules grounded in the Act, except in the case of intent, gross negligence or use of alcohol, stimulants or depressants.
Notices of incidents which do not give rise to sanctions shall not be used as evidence in public proceedings, cf. Article 141(3) of the same Act.
How will my reported information be used?
Your and others' contributions are essential in our work to improve aviation safety. Filed reports are subject to confidentiality, and are not available to the media or other parties in aviation (or elsewhere). Reported occurrences will be made anonymous and filed in the Icelandic national database, where they will be included in different statistics and summaries used to improve aviation safety. Some of these statistics will be published on our website. Accidents and serious incidents will investigated by the Icelandic Accident Investigation Board.
