Concerning documenting and investigating pilot incapacitations,

…recent FAA policy changes are not in your best interest.

Maintaining a high level of aviation safety requires meticulous data collection and analysis across various domains within aviation operations, from flight procedures to aircraft maintenance and pilot health. Several programs and systems contribute to this data collection, including Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA), automatic aircraft systems monitoring, aircraft maintenance logs, the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP), and the Incapacitation Data Registry. Each of these elements plays a crucial role in identifying potential safety risks and preventing accidents, making data collection indispensable in the aviation industry.

The FAA in conjunction with airline management and unions has done an excellent job in all areas of data collection but one, especially since December of 2020 when the illegally mandated covid shot started going into flight crews, air traffic controllers, and mechanics. Having been an airline pilot for 33 years, I am very familiar with these methods of data collection, but many of you are not, so here’s a little background on them, starting with the ones that work well and have gotten better.

The Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) program, also known as Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) in some regions, is a proactive safety program used by airlines to collect and analyze data recorded during flights. The primary goal of FOQA is to detect and address any deviations from standard operating procedures and to enhance overall flight safety. Through the FOQA program, airlines monitor various parameters related to aircraft operation, such as speed, altitude, flight path, and configuration settings. For example, FOQA can be used to detect problems with air crews not following appropriate procedures when configuring the aircraft for different phases of flight. By analyzing this data, airlines can identify trends that indicate non-compliance with established procedures, which may increase the risk of incidents or accidents. The program allows for early intervention by providing feedback and additional training to crews, thereby reducing the likelihood of errors during critical phases of flight.

Next is Automatic Aircraft Systems Monitoring. Modern aircraft are equipped with sophisticated systems that automatically monitor various aspects of the aircraft's performance and condition. This includes systems that detect early signs of engine wear, hydraulic issues, and other potential system problems. These monitoring systems collect real-time data on engine parameters, fuel efficiency, hydraulic pressure, and more, providing a wealth of information and identify trends that can be analyzed to predict failures before they occur. For instance, early detection of engine wear through automatic monitoring allows maintenance crews to perform necessary repairs or replacements before a failure occurs, thereby preventing in-flight engine malfunctions. This proactive approach to maintenance not only ensures the safety of the aircraft but also reduces the likelihood of unscheduled maintenance and associated operational disruptions.

Aircraft maintenance logs are another vital component of aviation safety data collection. These logs contain detailed records of all maintenance activities performed on an aircraft, including routine inspections, repairs, replacements, and modifications. By maintaining comprehensive logs, airlines and maintenance organizations can track the history of each aircraft, identify trends, and determine when specific components need to be inspected or replaced. Maintenance logs also play a crucial role in identifying potential safety risks. For example, if a particular component fails more frequently than expected across multiple aircraft, it may indicate a design flaw or a need for improved maintenance procedures. By analyzing maintenance data, airlines can take corrective actions to prevent future failures, thereby enhancing the overall safety of their fleet.

Another method that has worked well is the Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP). This is a voluntary safety reporting program that encourages pilots and other aviation personnel to report safety-related events, incidents, or concerns without fear of reprisal. Administered jointly by airlines, pilot unions, and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), ASAP aims to identify trends and address safety issues that may not be detected through other data collection methods. ASAP allows pilots to report incidents such as near misses, procedural deviations, or equipment malfunctions, which might not otherwise come to light. The data collected through ASAP is used to detect safety problems and develop solutions before they lead to accidents. By fostering an open and non-punitive reporting environment, ASAP contributes to a culture of safety and continuous improvement in aviation.

The one method the FAA failed on is the Incapacitation Data Registry. The IDR was an important tool for tracking instances of pilot incapacitation, which could pose significant risks to flight safety. Established in 1993, this registry collected data on cases where pilots were unable to perform their duties due to medical issues, such as heart attacks, strokes, or other incapacitating events. By documenting and investigating these occurrences, the registry helped identify trends and risk factors associated with pilot incapacitation.

However, the FAA discontinued the Incapacitation Data Registry in 2022, a decision that will have detrimental effects on aviation safety. The discontinuation of the registry means that valuable data on pilot incapacitations is no longer being systematically collected and analyzed, potentially making it more difficult to detect emerging health risks or trends. This could lead to a delay in identifying safety concerns related to pilot health, which is particularly important given the known adverse reactions of the illegally mandated covid shot that can lead to incapacitations.

The FAA's decision to discontinue the Incapacitation Data Registry was allegedly due to several factors, including concerns about data privacy and the administrative burden of maintaining the registry. Additionally, the FAA cited inconsistencies in the way the data was collected and reported from various airlines.

We are working very hard at USFreedomFlyers.org through FOIA requests and other methods to find out exactly why the FAA would discontinue the critically important Incapacitation Data Registry. We are also trying to get the actual IDR database to see if we can identify trends that happened since the illegally mandated covid shot. Even though entries into the database were discontinued in 2022, it should still exist. We demand to see it.

Significant changes in the way the FAA tracks and investigates pilot medical events need to happen to keep flying safe for the traveling public. We can’t make these changes without your help. Please join USFreedomFlyers.org as a concerned passenger. It’s free to join and we need a huge membership with a huge voice. Donate if you can.

I’m Dr. Kevin Stillwagon, retired chiropractor, retired airline captain, and vice president of USFreedomFlyers.org. Thanks for reading, and thanks for staying smart.