Enhancing aviation safety with risk-based oversight
Aaron Hoare 
Date published: Dec 12, 23
As aviation systems become more complex and air traffic volume continues to rise, there is a growing need for a proactive approach to safety oversight. Risk-based oversight is the widely adopted technique that empowers aviation authorities and industry stakeholders to prevent incidents before they occur. In this blog, we'll explore risk-based oversight and its vital role in mitigating future risks in the aviation industry.
If you want to learn about risk-based oversight more in detail, download our comprehensive white paper, Risk-based oversight: how to mitigate future risks before they happen
Download nowUnderstanding risk-based oversight
Risk-based oversight (RBO) is a strategic approach that prioritizes oversight activities based on an organization's risk assessment. Instead of reacting to incidents after they happen, RBO allows authorities to take preventive measures. This approach increases safety margins and reduces the likelihood of catastrophic events.
The introduction of ICAO Annex 19 played a crucial role in promoting RBO within the aviation industry. With flight volumes projected to double by 2030, RBO has become essential in balancing growth with safety.
Differentiating RBO from performance-based oversight
RBO is often confused with performance-based oversight (PBO), another common practice in aviation. PBO assesses the effectiveness of an organization's management system in achieving safety objectives; PBO and RBO work together, with PBO's performance indicators aiding in risk identification and mitigation, creating a comprehensive safety oversight strategy.
Risk monitoring and risk management
Managing risk is a top priority for aviation organizations. Risk monitoring is often thought as a different practice altogether, but instead it is an integral part of risk management, helping identify patterns, changes, and trends that may pose safety risks. An integrated safety management system like Ideagen Coruson contributes to both risk identification and monitoring through advanced dashboards and matrices.
Developing your organization's risk profile
Creating a comprehensive risk profile for your organization is crucial for RBO. It enables aviation authorities to allocate appropriate surveillance resources and helps plan safety oversight strategies. Qualitative and quantitative indicators are used to identify an organization's risks and performance, facilitating oversight planning. You’ll have to consider factors like compliance, safety outcomes, organizational health, and SMS when building your organization's risk profile.
Coruson for monitoring risks
When choosing a safety management system for risk-based oversight and risk monitoring, it's essential to select one that aligns with your organization's risk profile. Ideagen Coruson is a versatile and advanced software solution that provide dashboards to help you analyze aviation safety performance indicators. The Business Intelligence module allows organizations to build their own metrics, identify trends, and patterns. For instance, you can track the number of reports or audits raised and completed in a year, ensuring that no reports are overlooked.
Risk-based oversight is revolutionizing aviation safety by proactively mitigating risks. By implementing RBO alongside performance-based oversight, organizations can enhance aviation safety, ensuring that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation worldwide.
If you're looking for advanced software to support your risk-based oversight practices, Ideagen Coruson can provide the tools and insights you need to manage safety effectively.
Download our free white paper ‘Risk-based oversight: how to mitigate future risks before they happen’ to learn additional information on this approach, EASA’s advice, and how to build your organization’s risk profile.
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