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The Value of Safety Program Assessment in Aviation: A Look at Alaska Airlines

  The Value of Safety Program Assessment in Aviation: A Look at Alaska Airlines      I selected Alaska Airlines as the organization I will assess for this blog post. In commercial aviation, Alaska Airlines is widely recognized for its commitment to safety, innovation, and operational excellence. The airline’s robust Safety Management System (SMS) and responsiveness to safety incidents and operational crises make it an excellent case study for evaluating the value of safety program assessments. Overview of Alaska Airlines      Alaska Airlines, a subsidiary of Alaska Air Group, is headquartered in Seattle, Washington. It ranks as the fifth-largest airline in the United States and operates over 1,200 daily flights to over 120 destinations in North and Central America. As of its latest 10-K filing, the airline employed approximately 23,000 team members and generated more than $10 billion in revenue in 2024 (United States Securities and Exchange Comm...
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The Silent Saboteur: Fatigue in Aviation Safety

The Silent Saboteur: Fatigue in Aviation Safety In the high-stakes world of aviation, even the slightest lapse in judgment or performance can have life-altering consequences. Among the “Dirty Dozen” list of human error contributors, fatigue is among the most insidious and underestimated threats to aviation safety (Anonymous, 2024). What is Fatigue? Fatigue is more than just feeling tired. In aviation, fatigue refers to mental or physical exhaustion that reduces a person’s ability to perform work safely and effectively. It can be caused by long duty periods, disrupted circadian rhythms, insufficient sleep, or high workload over extended periods. Fatigue affects a range of cognitive functions, including: ·          Slower reaction times ·          Reduced attention and concentration ·          Impaired decision-making ·      ...
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Enhancing Aviation Safety: Addressing Runway Incursions and the Role of Emerging Technologies

    Enhancing Aviation Safety: Addressing Runway Incursions and the Role of Emerging Technologies          As an aviation safety manager, being informed about recent incidents and technological advancements is crucial for fostering a proactive safety culture. A recent article by Reuters, titled "Southwest Flight Takeoff Canceled After Crew Mistook Orlando Taxiway for Runway," highlights a significant safety concern that underscores the need for continuous vigilance and improvement in our operational practices (Shepardson, 2025b). ​ Incident Overview On March 20, 2025, a Southwest Airlines flight at Orlando International Airport was preparing for takeoff when the flight crew mistakenly aligned the aircraft on a taxiway instead of the designated runway. An alert air traffic controller identified the error and promptly canceled the takeoff clearance, ensuring the safety of all passengers and crew on board. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and...
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