Safety investigation, occurrence reporting and enforcement
This domain tests notification duties, accident and incident definitions, TAIC/CAA roles, privileged information and enforcement.
Notification and definitions
Part 12 requires the operator or pilot to notify the CAA of accidents and incidents as soon as practicable. An accident is an occurrence associated with aircraft operation between embarkation and disembarkation that causes death or serious injury, substantial aircraft damage, or the aircraft is missing. An incident is a safety-related occurrence that is not an accident; a serious incident is one with a high probability of an accident. TAIC investigates accidents and serious incidents independently.
Privileged information and enforcement
TAIC may treat information as privileged, protecting it from disclosure or use in some proceedings. CAA enforcement can include infringement notices, suspension or revocation of licences, and prosecution under the Civil Aviation Act, with penalties. Notification is not an admission of guilt.
Worked example
A hard landing cracks a propeller; the pilot flies back and says nothing. Reasoning: substantial damage may make this an accident; it must be notified to CAA/TAIC as soon as practicable. The pilot should preserve evidence and not move the aircraft unless necessary for safety.
Traps
Treating every defect as an accident; assuming a CAA notification satisfies TAIC; thinking privileged information never applies; delaying notification to avoid enforcement.