ASRS Question

[Palmpilot]

Maybe someone here will know the answer to this:

When a pilot files a NASA ASRS report about an event in which a control tower was involved, does NASA forward a (de-identified) copy of the report to the ATC facility involved?

I'm kind of hoping they do, because there are cases in which I'd like the controller to know that I took my error seriously.

 

[Jeff Oslick]

I don't think they do, but the ASRS database is searchable by location, so an interested supervisor/controller could periodically search the reports for ones relevant to their facility.

Also, a reminder that the ASRS Callback newsletters are available here:
https://asrs.arc.nasa.gov/publications/callback.html

Often interesting reading.

 

[Bell206]

When a pilot files a NASA ASRS report about an event in which a control tower was involved, does NASA forward a (de-identified) copy of the report to the ATC facility involved?

Depends. If there was a flight safety issue or a hazard, ASRS staff will issue an alert notice to the appropriate entity. If no safety issue or hazard it normally just gets filed in the database.

 

[guest user]

You could always call the tower and talk to them about the incident. There is no problem with you initiating a call to discuss an incident. That way you can convey your side of the story more completely and get their side completely. Something that is hard to do solely via an ASRS report.

Also, you are presuming that they will remember and put the same weight on the incident you do. By the time the ASRS would get to them, your incident has been superseded many times over in severity.

Just my thought.

 

[PastZTL]

If you contact the facility reference a concern about the air traffic services provided, the facility is required to log it as a Mandatory Occurrence Report and investigate what happened.

I think I only had to look into one ASRS reported incident in my career, so calling the facility is definitely what you do if you want to ensure someone looks at the services rendered.

 

[Palmpilot]

The services rendered were fine. I received an unexpected shortcut from TRACON. In the resulting rush, I accidentally dialed in the wrong frequency and almost busted GEU's airspace as a result. I could have avoided scaring the guy by making a 180 to give myself more time to correct the error.

 

[Sifossifoco]

I have asked my favorite AI, and this is the reply (scarely good, if you ask me...)

 

[Palmpilot]

This is actually the answer I was hoping for. As I mentioned above, I want ATC to know that I take their concerns seriously.

 

[Domenick]

Leave well enough alone. Nothing can be gained by you or them from an apology.

 

[Palmpilot]

Leave well enough alone. Nothing can be gained by you or them from an apology.

I already apologized, over the radio, but other than that, I agree with you, and am happy to leave any followup to ASRS. I'm happy to report that no repercussions have ensued in the eight months since the event.

 

[Domenick]

I'll confess, I've filed one ASRS, back in 2012 for an inadvertent class C incursion. I just missed the class C inner ring with a nearly straight transit north to south. Concentrating on finding a way over a mountainous ridge, I lost situational awareness. DOH! Suddenly realizing where I was, I took the shortest route out--down. Dumb, dumb, dumb! Filed the ASRS when I landed for the night. I was never in communication with the tower. At the time no ADSB and I was pinging VFR. Very embarrassing. Never heard a word.

 

[Brad Z]

This is actually the answer I was hoping for. As I mentioned above, I want ATC to know that I take their concerns seriously.

Who in ATC do you want to know that? The controller working you will likely never see the ASRS unless it is determined that the controller erred. It will be reviewed by the QA specialist for the facility. If there’s nothing actionable for the facility, they shrug and move on to the next.

 

[Palmpilot]

Who in ATC do you want to know that? The controller working you will likely never see the ASRS unless it is determined that the controller erred. It will be reviewed by the QA specialist for the facility. If there’s nothing actionable for the facility, they shrug and move on to the next.

I'm not going to lose sleep over it either way.