Proactively monitor your operation
and learn about its safety performance with NOSS and TEM
NOSS COLLABORATIVE
The NOSS Collaborative aides ANSPs to implement NOSS and TEM-based initiatives. We have worked with ANSPs from around the world since the inception of NOSS
What is NOSS?
The Normal Operation Safety Survey (NOSS) is an observational methodology for the collection of systemic and proactive safety data collection during normal operations. It aims to inform organizations about safety matters by using specially trained ATC staff to take a structured look at everyday operations.
Monitoring normal operations through direct observations provides feedback about system performance that would not otherwise be available – it provides feedback about what is working well in operations can identify potential deficiencies before the occurrence of accidents or incidents.
Know More About NOSS
NOSS Benefits
NOSS has tangible and intangible benefits. Some of the benefits reported by ANSPs with whom we work with...
Ten Operating Characteristics
NOSS is defined by ten operating characteristics that distinguish it from other observational....
Threat and Error Management (TEM)
Frequently Asked Questions
How does NOSS differ from reporting programs?
Data from reporting programs are event based – a threshold is crossed and an event is reported to / captured by the SMS. But the SMS captures little information on system operations prior to such thresholds being crossed. Data from NOSS are process based – specially trained observers record data on the threats and errors that occur during a real-time observation. NOSS thus aims to fill this gap by providing data about threats and errors in normal operations prior to any thresholds being crossed. This allows vulnerabilities to be identified – and addressed – prior to occurrence of negative events.
Since NOSS is process based instead of event based, it also captures a lot of information about things that are going well in operations. Data about strengths can help managers prioritize safety interventions and serve as positive feedback for staff. Individual controller techniques or specific unit procedures may be identified as “good practices” can be promulgated to other controllers and units.
How does NOSS differ from safety culture surveys?
Traditional surveys are questionnaire or interview based – seeking the respondent’s opinions, attitudes or reported experience. While providing valuable information, surveys are vulnerable to bias. NOSS data is based on observed threats and errors that were recorded by the observer during actual observations, meaning the data were premised on observed, objective events.
How does NOSS differ from proficiency checks or audits?
NOSS is not a replacement for proficiency checks or audits – its purpose to collect system safety data to inform the SMS, not ensure proficiency or compliance. Observations are conducted by peer-controllers, are anonymous, confidential and can not be used for punitive purposes. These elements, along with others parts of the Ten Characteristics that define NOSS differentiate it from formal checks, which aid in establishing trust in the observations.
How can the NOSS Collaborative help?
The NOSS Collaborative has decades of experience aiding ANSPs with NOSS implementation. This experience allows us to efficiently guide ANSPs through the NOSS process. In many cases, ANSPs make staff available for observer training and a handful of shifts to conduct observations – and the NOSS Collaborative handles the workload associated with data management, verification, and analysis, leaving the ANSP with a comprehensive analysis and report summarizing TEM findings with de-identified comparisons to similar NOSS Archive units.
In short, when working with the NOSS Collaborative ANSPs will need to make observers available for training and a limited number of shifts to do observations – and the NOSS Collaborative will carry the bulk of the effort until a comprehensive report is delivered.
How to gain controller support for NOSS?
How does NOSS work?
Observers are selected from participating units to undergo specialized training (completed within a week) and conduct a series of targeted observations over a defined period. Observers record data about the threats, errors and undesired states seen during observations, how they are managed and the effect they have on the larger operation. It should be noted that observers are not asked to judge, rate or evaluate their peers.
A preliminary dataset is created and after all observations have been completed experts from the participating units will participate in a data verification process (facilitated by the NOSS Collaborative) to ensure data is fit for inclusion and consistently handled and to extract additional insight from the participants. Once data verification is complete, data analysis begins and a comprehensive, detailed report is produced summarizing findings – including de-identified comparisons to similar NOSS Archive units.
Case Study
Identifying & reducing complexities
Issue identified during NOSS:
Identifying strengths & improving weaknesses
Issue identified during NOSS:
Enhancing barriers of defense / monitoring capabilities
Issue identified during NOSS:
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