scope:

a. This order gives guidance and a framework for responding to significant or noteworthy events, and security related events meeting the conditions outlined in paragraph 4-1d. Based on the level of visibility of the event, one of several responses may occur. For information on the tiered response, see chapter 3.

b. The following are some examples of the types of events for which the provisions of this order may be invoked:

(1) A significant or noteworthy aircraft accident or serious incident, e.g. a major air carrier crash, an accident involving a dignitary, an air taxi over runs the runway surface into an embankment.

(2) Significant or noteworthy loss of separation (33 percent or less of the standard), including near midair collisions reports; traffic alert and collision avoidance system (TCAS) resolution advisory (RA) with evasive action or lack of positive control.

(3) Significant or noteworthy runway incursion, e.g. aircraft rotated early to avoid a crossing tug.

(4) Allegations of reckless operation (for example, low-flying civilian/military aircraft, personnel performance). 

(5) Loss of critical systems (simultaneous or overlapping primary and backup equipment outages).

(6) Loss of facility operational capability, as defined in FAA Order JO 1900.47.

(7) Severe turbulence where serious injuries or structural damage is reported (or suspected).

(8) Long duration delays for aircraft with passengers that exceed three-hours between cabin-door closure and takeoff, or between landing and cabin-door opening to allow passenger deplaning (Tarmac-3).

(9) Occurrence that generates or could generate high interest from regional or national news media, Congress, the Department of Transportation (DOT), or other government agencies such as the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), the DOT Office of Inspector General (OIG), and the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO).

c. Additionally, the on-site review process described in this order must be invoked for all red events (see chapter 3), or when requested by the Vice President of ATO Safety (or designee). The Vice President of any operating service unit may invoke this process by coordinating through the Chief Operating Officer. The Directors of Operations may also request this process through their Vice Presidents.

d. The provisions of this order are not intended to be activated in response to ongoing events that are being actively managed through other existing procedures (e.g., the Domestic Events Network [DEN], the Service Center Situation Room), but rather to ensure the timely upward notification and if requested, a formal post event review. Such events may include, but are not limited to:

(1) Natural or man-made disasters at an ATO facility with an indefinite recovery period;

(2) Widespread (multiple facilities) equipment/power interruptions with indefinite restoration time; and

(3) Ongoing security events.

(4) Serious or fatal on the job employee injury.

PURPOSE OF THIS ORDER

This order describes the ATO's 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 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/investigation of events 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).