What is LOSA for Airlines

LOSA observers collect safety-related data on:

• Environmental conditions;
• Operational complexity; and 
• Human performance on the flightdeck. 

Numerous airline and environmental threats exist in the operating environment. These threats can be due to

• Weather;
• Delays;
• Maintenance;
• Procedures; and more.

A LOSA is an ideal way to identify these threats and understand flightcrew responses. LOSA also reveals how errors and undesired aircraft states are managed by flightcrews. 

• LOSA is not a checkride or a line check. 
• LOSA is confidential and nonpunitive. 

A LOSA is conducted by a non-threatening company employee (typically another pilot) who rides in the jumpseat taking notes on what is happening during the course of a normal flight. 

Once all the data are collected, then a final analytical report is written. Recommendations are made to management to both reinforce the positives and improve the negatives. 

A LOSA enables organizations to manage threats and errors so that those threats and errors do not turn into accidents and incidents in the future. With LOSA, you are being predictive—which is the ultimate form of proactive safety! 

Benefits of LOSA for Airlines

• Potential insurance savings;
• Reduction in costs due to damage;
• Improved employee morale; and
• Increased employee safety awareness.