News

Blog: Hazards of Lightning Strikes in Aviation
June 23, 2022 — Lightning is a well-known but poorly understood weather phenomenon. While the specifics are still a mystery, the general idea is that collisions between particles causes them to ionize. Lighter particles, such as ice crystals, become positively charged and are lifted by updrafts toward the tops of a cloud or storm cell. Heavier particles, like graupel and hail, gain a negative charge and remain around the bottom and middle of the cloud because they are harder to lift. This allows for a charge separation, which along with the atmosphere’s resistance to a free flow of current, satisfies the two main conditions necessary for lightning to occur. An aircraft flying through the atmosphere is also colliding with particles, ionizing the air and becoming potentially attractive to lightning “leaders” – the initial stages of a lightning strike... MORE

Naval Safety and Environmental Training Center Visits USS George H. W. Bush
May 24, 2022 — Instructors from Naval Safety and Environmental Training Center (NSETC) recently delivered the Safety Programs Afloat course to 68 prospective divisional safety petty officers aboard the aircraft carrier USS George H.W. Bush (CVN 77)... MORE

Motorcycle Safety: Time to ‘Throttle’ Back and Reinforce Fundamentals
May 12, 2022 — May is Motorcycle Safety Awareness Month and Secretary of the Navy, The Honorable Carlos Del Toro, reaffirmed motorcycle safety remains the Department of the Navy’s (DON) priority in a recent ALNAV message... MORE

Naval Safety Command Launches Annual '101 Critical Days of Summer' Campaign
May 5, 2022 — Summer is right around the corner and it is time for the Naval Safety Command (NAVSAFECOM) annual “101 Critical Days of Summer” safety campaign. Summer is the longest vacation period of the year, and mishaps, as well as associated fatalities, have historically spiked during this time. It is crucial for all Department of the Navy personnel to maintain an active risk management mindset and ensure this summer is a safe one. This year, the 101 Critical Days of Summer campaign runs from May 30 through Sept. 5... MORE

Looking for Lessons Learned? The Name Has Changed, but the Focus Remains the Same
April 6, 2022 — The products previously known as Lessons Learned from the place formerly known as the Naval Safety Center are getting a new name: The naval enterprise will now receive Safety Awareness Dispatches from the Naval Safety Command... MORE

Blog: Planning for Unplanned Aircraft Moves
February 15, 2022 — There are many dangers and risks in Naval Aviation. Moving an aircraft seems like a very simple task, but if not done correctly, could very well lead to a costly and grave outcome. Unfortunately, even with procedures, policies, and instructions in place to avoid an Aircraft Ground Mishap (AGM), if proper steps are not followed this simple evolution can lead to serious damage to aircraft or injury or death to personnel... MORE

Blog: Planned and Organized GSE Storage Prevents Crunches
February 15, 2022 — Planned and organized systems, program policies, and procedures are essential for any organization to ensure operations run as smoothly as possible. Whether it’s something as simple as maintaining maintenance records, organizing an aircraft move, storing tools in a work center or using and maintaining ground support equipment, proper organization is essential for streamlining a task from start to finish. How many times have you gone to complete a task and realized that nothing that you need is where it is supposed to be? You have to look for the required materials because someone did not return them to the correct place, or even worse, the tools and materials you need don’t have a designated place to be kept. Disorganization can lead to a lack of efficiency, property damage, and even injury... MORE

Naval Safety Command Established
February 7, 2022 — Marking a significant new chapter, the Naval Safety Command (NAVSAFECOM) was established during an official ceremony at Joint Forces Staff College today. The command, formerly known as Naval Safety Center, bears increased authorities and responsibilities... MORE

Blog: How to Run an Effective Maintenance Control Meeting to Reduce Mishaps
January 14, 2022 — Maintenance meetings are crucial for establishing clear priorities and ensuring everyone is on the same page for the shift being covered. The meetings also set the tone as to how the shift will run that day or night. Maintenance controllers must place due diligence and priority on preparing for and executing an effective maintenance meeting... MORE

Blog: How to Create an Effective Aircraft Movement Brief
January 14, 2022 — One of the most common things we see at the Naval Safety Center, when it comes to aviation ground mishaps (AGM), is aircraft being damaged during an aircraft move. There are several factors that contribute to aircraft move mishaps, but in most cases it is complacency and lack of oversight by highly experienced senior leaders. So how can we reduce the number of aircraft damaged during a move? It all starts with an effective aircraft move brief... MORE