It was announced from Washington on 25 June that the US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), in partnership with the National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA), has begun a safety reporting programme called the Safety Review Process (SRP). This 18-month pilot programme, open to all bargaining-unit employees, allows FAA employees who work in the Aircraft Certification Service (AIR) to elevate safety concerns without fear of retaliation.

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx commented: ‘It is critical that our DOT employees have the opportunity to work in an environment where they are comfortable coming forward with safety concerns. This new safety review process will further advance our culture of safety and help ensure that the flying public has the best, safest experience possible.’