Safety II Implementation and Methods in Aviation

This white paper discusses the implementation of Safety II principles and methods within the context of aviation safety. It outlines the need for complementary approaches to enhance existing FAA safety accomplishments, particularly in light of the increasing complexity of the aerospace system. The document presents three key methods for improving safety practices at the FAA: Barrier Frameworks, Resilience Assessments using the MITRE TRUSTS Framework, and Gap Analyses. Each method is described in detail, including their expected impacts on safety practices and regulations. The paper also includes findings from applying these methods to runway incursions, highlighting the role of human variability in both causing and preventing incidents. The authors argue for a shift in focus from merely preventing failures to understanding and promoting successful operational behaviors. The findings suggest that recognizing and documenting resilient behaviors can enhance training and safety outcomes in aviation operations.