When aeroplanes come dangerously close
In air traffic, there is a clearly regulated system of minimum distances between aircraft. These so-called separations are either monitored by air traffic controllers or ensured in uncontrolled airspace by the „see and avoid“ principle. Nevertheless, situations occasionally arise in which two aircraft come closer to each other than intended.
Such events are referred to as AIRPROX. This refers to a situation in which a pilot or a member of air traffic control personnel believes that safety was impaired due to the short distance between two aircraft. In addition to the actual distance, the speed, flight direction and relative position of the aircraft involved also play a decisive role.
AIRPROX incidents are not automatically accidents or near-collisions. Rather, they serve as important early indicators in air traffic safety management. By systematically analysing such situations, potential weaknesses in the air traffic system can be identified at an early stage.
Task of the Aircraft Proximity Evaluation Group
In Germany, such reports are analysed by the Aircraft Proximity Evaluation Group, or APEG for short. This is an independent body of experts that was set up specifically to analyse aircraft proximities.
The members of APEG investigate reported incidents in detail and assess the respective circumstances. The focus is not on clarifying questions of guilt or liability. Instead, the focus is exclusively on improving flight safety.
The committee analyses factors such as weather conditions, airspace structure, communication processes, pilot workload and possible misunderstandings in radio traffic. Based on these analyses, the APEG formulates recommendations to help avoid similar situations in the future.
Such recommendations can be addressed to pilots as well as to air traffic control organisations or regulatory authorities.
New reporting channels via the Aviation Reporting Portal
In a recent announcement, the Federal Supervisory Authority for Air Navigation Services has now adapted the official channel for AIRPROX reports. In future, such incidents will be reported via the European Aviation Reporting Portal.
This portal is part of the European incident reporting system for aviation. It is based on an EU regulation that prescribes the standardised recording of safety-related incidents in civil aviation.
Anyone wishing to report an AIRPROX incident can do so directly via the online portal. It is not absolutely necessary to register as a user beforehand. Anonymous or unregistered reports are also possible.
After accessing the reporting portal, the user can select the EU member state to which the report is to be sent. For incidents in German airspace, Germany must be selected as the responsible aviation authority.
APEG access to the message
An important component of the reporting form is a selection option that can be used to specify whether the reported information should also be made available to the APEG. If this option is activated, the expert panel is given access to the relevant data.
This ensures that the APEG experts can analyse the incident. At the same time, the actual purpose of the European incident reporting system remains the same, namely the centralised recording of safety-related incidents.
Before submitting the report, pilots should also enter their contact details if possible. This enables analysts to ask questions about the incident and obtain additional information if necessary.
Part of a Europe-wide security concept
The European incident reporting system follows a „just culture“ approach. This principle means that safety-related incidents should be reported without those involved automatically having to fear disciplinary consequences.
The aim is to obtain as complete a picture as possible of potential risks in air transport. The more incidents are reported, the better trends can be recognised and preventative measures developed.
This system plays a particularly important role in general aviation. Many encounters between aircraft take place in uncontrolled airspace, where no air traffic controllers are responsible for separation. Here, safety depends heavily on the attention and communication of the pilots.
Importance for pilots
For pilots, the new regulation primarily means a simplification of the reporting process. Instead of different national forms, there is now centralised access via the European reporting portal.
Anyone who has experienced or observed a critical approach can report the incident quickly and easily. Such reports provide valuable information for safety analyses.
Such findings can help to reduce future risks, particularly in densely frequented airspace, in the vicinity of airports or in complex airspace structures.
New announcement replaces previous regulation
With the publication of the new announcement, an earlier regulation from 2016 was cancelled at the same time. The updated announcement came into force immediately after its publication.
The adjustment reflects the increasing integration of national safety reporting systems into European structures. At the same time, it ensures that the APEG continues to have access to relevant reports and can continue its analysis work.
An important contribution to flight safety
Even though AIRPROX events are often unpleasant for those involved, they make an important contribution to air traffic safety. Every reported approach provides information about potential risks in the system.
Systematic evaluation by expert committees such as the APEG helps to recognise patterns and initiate improvements. In many cases, such analyses lead to adjustments to procedures, training content or airspace structures.
This makes it clear that an open and consistent reporting culture is a central component of modern aviation safety - and an important contribution by all those involved to keeping the airspace safe in the future.
Source references:
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