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Aviation Safety Leadership and Oversight

The Prescott Aviation Safety Department oversees the safety program for Embry-Riddle's College of Aviation (COA) at the Prescott Campus, serving students, faculty, staff and flight personnel. Taking a proactive approach, the department focuses on accident prevention, hazard identification, safety data collection and sharing, emergency response procedures, and ongoing safety training for Embry-Riddle personnel. To ensure accountability, the Aviation Safety Department operates independently from the Flight Department and reports directly to the dean of the College of Aviation.

Safety Management System

Embry-Riddle’s Safety Management System (SMS) brings together all elements of the university’s safety efforts into one unified, continuously improving framework. Built on four key components—safety policy, risk management, safety assurance and safety promotion—the SMS defines roles and responsibilities, identifies hazards and risks and ensures the implementation of effective risk controls. This system enhances transparency and fosters confidence by ensuring safety issues are communicated across faculty, staff and students. Regular audits help evaluate the effectiveness of the university’s overall safety culture.

Safety Reporting

Embry-Riddle fosters a strong safety reporting culture modeled after systems used in the airline industry. Its confidential, non-punitive reporting process is a key tool for identifying potential hazards and assessing risks within the operational areas of the COA. This approach enhances safety oversight, supports the development of effective risk mitigation strategies, supports a just safety culture and encourages free flowing communication.

Aviation Safety Action Program

The primary goal of Embry-Riddle’s Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP) is to identify safety-related events and take corrective action to reduce risk and enhance overall safety. Established through a formal agreement with the FAA, ASAP applies to pilots, fleet maintenance personnel and staff at the university’s Part 145 Engine Repair Station. This self-reporting system provides the Aviation Safety Department with valuable safety data while helping protect individuals from FAA enforcement action in cases of unintentional violations of Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR).

Flight Data Monitoring

Embry-Riddle aircraft are equipped with state-of-the-art avionics that enable the Aviation Safety Department to track, monitor and analyze both qualitative and quantitative flight data. The Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) program is designed to promote the open exchange of safety information, faster data processing and ultimately enhances operational safety. FDM information is used exclusively for safety purposes and is reviewed only by authorized personnel.

Emergency Response Plan

The Embry-Riddle Aviation Safety Department oversees the Emergency Response Plan (ERP) for the Prescott Flight Department. Developed in coordination with the Flight Department, the ERP outlines detailed procedures and responsibilities for responding to a wide range of emergencies. It includes clear communication protocols and assigns specific roles to relevant departments. Regular drills are conducted to ensure that all personnel understand their responsibilities and can respond effectively in the event of an emergency.