Safety Recommendation A-14-073

In our previous letter, we urged you to reconsider your opinion that the guidance contained in Advisory Circular (AC) 121-32A, “Dispatch Resource Management Training,” satisfies this recommendation. However, we note that you still do not intend to require DRM training, as recommended.

We do not believe the guidance contained in the AC is an acceptable alternative to a requirement. We point out that this guidance was available prior to this accident; however, the UPS dispatchers and pilots did not train together, and UPS did not require its pilots and dispatchers to communicate directly during normal dispatch operations or have a verbal dispatch briefing before every flight. In this accident, we believe DRM training could have given the dispatcher the confidence to communicate with and ensure the flight crew was aware of a runway closure. Also, it could have encouraged the flight crew to converse with the dispatcher about any potential safety issues for the flight.

We continue to believe that a joint dispatcher/pilot training module, specific to crew resource management and DRM principles, would improve communication between pilots and dispatchers and enhance their understanding of each other’s challenges and capabilities. However, because you have no intention of requiring this training, Safety Recommendation A-14-73 is classified CLOSED-- UNACCEPTABLE ACTION.

-From Kathryn B. Thomson, Deputy Administrator: In its previous letter, the Board stated that TAWS callout features must be activated by operators and asked the FAA to reconsider its position on this recommendation. We note that the safety issue identified in these recommendations, which occurred a decade ago, is not prevalent in the current system and predates current air carrier awareness of TAWS operational performance guidance.

After further review, the FAA maintains that these recommendations are best addressed through reinforcement of flightpath and energy management, the previously discussed changes to the required checklist used by flightcrews and division of PF and PM duties, in combination with FAA surveillance and oversight of training activities and en route procedures, and the use of our Safety Assurance System data collection tools.

I believe the FAA has effectively addressed Safety Recommendations A-14-73, -81, -83, and -84 and consider our actions complete with no further action planned.

We note that you have decided not to require an annual recurrent DRM training module because of other rulemaking priorities and that you believe the guidance contained in Advisory Circular (AC) 121-32A, “Dispatch Resource Management Training,” satisfies this recommendation. We disagree. AC 121-32A was available prior to this accident, yet the UPS dispatchers and pilots did not train together, and UPS did not require its pilots and dispatchers to communicate directly during normal dispatch operations or have a verbal dispatch briefing before every flight. Although you indicated that you are finished responding to this recommendation, we encourage you to reconsider your position.

We continue to believe that a joint dispatcher/pilot training module, specific to crew resource management and DRM principles, would improve communication between pilots and dispatchers and enhance their understanding of each other’s challenges and capabilities. Pending the FAA taking the recommended action, Safety Recommendation A-14-73 is classified OPEN-- UNACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.

-From Steve Dickson, Administrator: The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) understands that the Board believes there should be a requirement for operators to develop joint pilot and aircraft dispatcher recurrent dispatch resource management (DRM). There is no regulatory requirement for part 121 operators to have pilots participate in recurrent DRM. Due to other rulemaking priorities, we are unable to pursue a change to the current regulatory requirements at this time.

The current edition of FAA Advisory Circular (AC) 121-32A, Dispatch Resource Management Training, provides the essential concepts of DRM. This AC addresses communication skills, teamwork, dispatcher and pilot-in-command interface, and situational awareness. The AC recommends including all operational personnel in DRM, and recommends having aircraft dispatchers participate in line oriented flight training sessions for pilots. This AC emphasizes the fundamental interaction of aircraft dispatchers and pilots being of a very important nature, as well as the value in joint DRM training.

Because this safety recommendation is already addressed in the current edition of AC 121-32A, we plan no further action and consider this matter closed.

We note that you are reviewing this recommendation to determine how to appropriately address it. Once you have made this determination, please provide us details of your plans. Pending our receipt of those details, Safety Recommendation A-14-73 remains classified OPEN—AWAIT RESPONSE.

-From Michael Huerta, Administrator: We are reviewing this recommendation to determine how to appropriately address the concerns raised by the Board.