airlinesafety

Airline safety refers to the measures and processes that reduce the risk of harm in commercial air transport. It encompasses aircraft design and certification, operator procedures, crew training, maintenance, air traffic management, and accident and incident investigation.

International standards are set by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and implemented by national authorities such as the United States Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA), and others. These bodies establish airworthiness requirements, operating rules, and accident reporting obligations. Safety oversight is typically supported by formal programs and audits to verify compliance and to identify systemic risks.

Most safety programs rely on a safety management system (SMS) that requires organizations to identify hazards, assess risks, implement mitigations, and monitor safety performance. Data collection, reporting of safety hazards, and regular review help organizations learn from near-misses as well as actual events.

Aircraft design and maintenance are foundational to safety. Certification processes establish minimum airworthiness standards, while ongoing maintenance programs, airworthiness directives, and the use of a minimum equipment list ensure continued reliability and operability. Operators follow scheduled inspections, line checks, and maintenance planning to address potential failures before they affect flight safety.

Operations and training emphasize crew competency and adherence to procedures. Pilots and cabin crews receive initial and recurrent training, including simulation-based scenarios, cockpit resource management, sterile cockpit rules, and standardized checklists for pre-flight, takeoff, and landing phases.

Incidents and accidents are investigated by national authorities, with findings and safety recommendations published to improve design, procedures, and training across the aviation system.