Perceived threats, errors and safety in aerial work and low-capacity air transport operations

Although several studies have reported the common threats and errors identified in line operations safety audits (LOSAs) of high-capacity regular public transport (RPT) operations (Klinect, Wilhelm & Helmreich, 1999; Veilette, 2005; Thomas, 2004), there is little information on the types of threats and errors faced by pilots in other parts of the aviation industry.

This report catalogues the most common threats to operations, and errors made by pilots, in aerial work and low-capacity air transport operations, as perceived by flight instructors, check-and-training pilots, chief pilots and line pilots. The aim of this report is to provide a snapshot of these perceived threats and errors, along with ratings of safety deficiencies, and to offer some suggestions in how to deal with threats and errors.