MAINTENANCE AND ENGINEERING
ASAP Questions and Answers
1. What is ASAP?
The purpose of the Aviation Safety Action Partnership (ASAP) program is to gather data which will assist in preventing accidents or recurring incidents, and to enhance FAR compliance and improve the safety of the aviation industry in general. The corrective actions accomplished through ASAP are made possible by the voluntary data and information provided by AA employees.
2. Who is eligible to participate in the ASAP program?
Participation in the program is limited to American Airlines employees assigned to maintenance duties by American Airlines and to events occurring while acting in that capacity.
3. When will the ASAP program start?
It is anticipated, based on no further delays from Washington, that the program will start on July 1, 1998.
4. What kind of issues should be submitted to the ASAP program?
Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) violations and general or specific safety concerns.
5. What if the violation involves intentional disregard for safety?
This program is meant for inadvertent acts or mistakes. A submission is not eligible for the ASAP program if there was:
6. Are management and support staff eligible to participate in ASAP?
Yes. Any American Airlines employee, while acting in an American Airlines capacity, who is involved with maintenance on FAA certificated aircraft, components, or engines may participate in ASAP. Reference Question/Answer #2.
7. Who will be reviewing my disclosure?
The ERT is a three member review team made up of a Company representative, TWU representative, and an FAA representative. All M&E disclosures will be handled by this team.
8. Where can I get additional information about the ASAP program?
Information about the program is available through the ASAP Hotline, ICS 292-2575 or (918) 292-2575. Information will also be presented in a TWU brochure and is available from your TWU representative. An informational ASAP video may be obtained from your supervisor. There will be an article in the Maintenance Newsletter and coming soon, there will be a section in the GPM
9. Where can I find an ASAP Event Submission Form?
Event Submission Forms will not be accepted until the program startup date which is scheduled to be July 1, 1998 . Forms can be ordered by Form Number TUL 8282. Also, they can be obtained from your supervisor or TWU representative. A copy can also be made from the illustration in the GPM
10. Are there deadlines on submitting self-disclosures?
Events must be submitted as soon as possible but no more than 24 hours after becoming aware of a violation.
11. If I don't know the fax number can I phone in my concern to the Hotline?
No. The Hotline is not set up to accept ASAP submissions. The fax number is printed on each event form.
12. How can I prove that I faxed my submission to the ASAP Program Manager?
You should keep your original submission form along with the transmittal confirmation that the fax machine should provide.
13. What if the phone lines are down and faxing a submission is not possible?
A faxed event form should be submitted as soon as possible. Late submissions, caused by an emergency situation, will be reviewed by the Event Review Team (ERT), on a case-by-case basis, to determine acceptability.
14. How will I know that ASAP received my fax?
The ASAP Program Manager will send a confirmation letter back to the individual via US mail.
15. How do I know that my submission will be kept confidential?
The name and any identifying information is removed from the summary before it is given to the ERT.
16. Can one person submit a disclosure to cover many people involved in the same violation?
Each person involved in the violation must submit their own form in order to participate in, and receive the benefits of the ASAP program.
17. Is anything required of me once I file an ASAP event form?
The reporting employee must comply with the corrective recommendations of the ERT, thereby demonstrating a constructive attitude toward complying with the policy, procedures and regulations. It is always better to put in an ASAP report if unsure to protect you.
18. If my submission is accepted into the ASAP program am I still subject to Company disciplinary action?
No. Under the ASAP program, the recommendations of the ERT take the place of FAA legal enforcement action and Company disciplinary action against the individual. Furthermore, no record of an employee's ASAP participation is ever kept in any AA personnel file or other employee record that can identify the individual.
19. What if the ERT recommends that I attend training but I elect not to go to the training?
If the employee does not successfully comply with the ERT recommendations then the disclosure is, at that point in time, considered a "non-qualifying" disclosure in the ASAP program. The Company or the FAA may, if they choose, pursue an investigation of the ASAP submission.
20. Will anything be sent to me, notifying me that my case has been closed?
Yes. After complying with the corrective action recommendations of the ERT, you will be notified via US mail of administrative closure.
21. What is an FAA Letter of Correction and how does it affect me?
An FAA Letter of Correction does not constitute a finding of a violation. It is an FAA method of administrative closure used in lieu of FAA legal enforcement action. The Letter of Correction remains on file with the FAA for a period of two years.
22. Is there a limit as to how many ASAP reports an individual may submit?
No. You may put in as many ASAP reports as you want.