GGC proud to launch RORS ‘RPAS Occurrence Reporting System’ in collaboration with Cranfield University

Gilmartin Global Consultancy (GGC) based in the UK has provided Remotely Piloted Aircraft System (RPAS) Subject Matter Expertise (SME) and occurrence investigation services since 2011 to military and civil customers worldwide. In collaboration with the Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre (CSAIC), GGC are proud to launch a new service comparable to the UK manned aviation Confidential Human Factors Incident Reporting Programme (CHIRP). The aim of the incentive to promote a ‘Just Culture’ within the unmanned aviation community, increasing awareness, promote learning and ultimately increase flight safety.

GGC director, Dr Stuart Gilmartin says “ We are really excited about this collaboration with Cranfield University. The unmanned aircraft industry has exploded both for recreational and commercial use, which is fantastic. However, we now all need pull together and ensure flight safety of these systems is always the number one priority and never compromised. This partly can be achieved through gaining the correct initial training and where required permissions through the CAA etc, however flying any RPAS big or small is a continuous learning process and through communication this can improved considerably. Promoting a ‘just culture’ just like in manned aviation we are asking operators to own up to their mistakes and system malfunctions, talk about them, share their experiences and through us advise others on how incidents could be avoided in the future. I’m not going to deny, this is a big ask and we don’t envisage operators to be queing up to tell us about their misfortunes to begin with. What I can say, is that the purpose of this system is not to direct blame or initiate proceedings for prosecution, it is confidential and published reports shall be anonymous.

The confidential RPAS Occurrence Reporting System (RORS) enables Unmanned Aircraft System (UAS) operators or the general public to openly submit details to GGC of near misses, mishaps, incidents/accidents and lessons learned via the website or email. Anonymous reports of occurrences will then be published online within a quarterly bulletin, which can be accessed by all. Furthermore an archive will be available for users to search through previous bulletins.

Mr Pete McCarthy, ex Military Air Accident Investigator and now Human Factors lecturer at the Cranfield Safety and Accident Investigation Centre (CSAIC) says:

“The implementation of this database will be a real positive step forward and will begin to give a feel for what is really happening with this community. As the database grows we will all be able to learn from each others experience, hopefully resulting in a safe and effective RPAS environment”

RPAS operators are encouraged to register through the GGC website for notification of the first bulletin, due within the upcoming months.

For further information please visit the website: www.gilmartinglobalconsultancy.com