scope:

Purpose.

This order describes the Air Traffic Organization's (ATO) processes, roles and responsibilities, and timelines for collecting and reporting data in response to events in the NAS. Examples of significant events covered under this order are noteworthy aviation accidents and incidents, unusual events involving air traffic services, major events involving systems used in the delivery of air traffic services, loss of major navigation aids, events that may receive significant media interest, or any other events as determined by the Vice President of ATO Safety and Technical Training or designee, or the service unit(s) Vice President(s). The Vice President for System Operations may request that the processes outlined in this order be used to conduct a post-event review or investigation of events, which are routinely handled by the Domestic Events Network (DEN). It is important that the ATO conduct an event review for each significant or noteworthy event to establish the facts, conditions and circumstances, identify safety issues, and establish meaningful recommendations to prevent, mitigate or reduce the possibility of recurrence. Successful post-event management depends on the prompt collection and sometimes urgent relay of accurate information. This order establishes focal points for the collection and dissemination of this critical data. Following the timelines in this order will ensure that the ATO speaks with one voice and responds appropriately to significant events in the NAS. The information flow described in this order will also help in the appropriate release of factual information to other government agencies, Congress, or the public under the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA).