In conjunction with these efforts, NASA is also developing computational models to predict vortex hazard in order to enable proper sequencing, scheduling and controlling of aircraft on final approach. These programs are improving such critical safety factors as weather situational awareness, crash worthiness, engine reliability, systems and displays, maneuvering control and traffic control management. Once developed, these techniques will provide tools that can be applied to safety certification of aircraft systems installed on today's aircraft. It is America's aviation safety reporting system. This enormous data base and the resulting research are critical to identifying and solving safety problems.
Reports are confidential, yet critical, to timely problem identification.
In addition to this program, NASA and FAA are working with airlines to develop systems to use flight data recorder information for safety research in a program titled Aviation Performance Monitoring System. In October 1995, the first U.S. air carrier joined with NASA to collaborate on the development of the suite of APMS tools and for operational testing of the system. Responding to a growing recognition of the potential value of this system, the most recent major airline participant joined the program in December 1996. Automation technology holds the key to allowing a pilot to handle more complex and varied responsibilities, more safely and easily. A NASA team of experts, in disciplines as varied as psychology and software engineering, is currently developing methods to ensure that aviation automation technology development has the foundation it needs for safe implementation.