Safety, Occurrence Reporting and Operational Responsibilities
This domain tests the pilot's operational responsibilities and the reporting framework for accidents, incidents, and occurrences under the Civil Aviation Act 1990, Part 12, and the TAIC Act 1990.
Reporting framework
An accident involves death or serious injury, substantial aircraft damage, or the aircraft being missing. A notifiable occurrence includes serious incidents and other events listed in Part 12. The pilot or operator must notify the CAA as soon as practicable and provide a written report as required. The Transport Accident Investigation Commission (TAIC) independently investigates accidents and serious incidents. Notification to one agency does not replace the other where both have jurisdiction.
Operational responsibilities
Before flight, the pilot completes pre-flight action: weather, fuel, performance, mass and balance, and aircraft serviceability. In flight, the pilot remains responsible for separation from terrain and other aircraft, passenger briefing, and dangerous-goods rules. Defects are recorded and reported through the approved maintenance system.
Worked example
An engine fails on approach, the aircraft lands safely, and no one is injured. There is no substantial damage, so it may not meet the accident definition, but an engine failure in flight is a serious incident and a notifiable occurrence. The pilot notifies the CAA promptly, preserves evidence such as the engine and flight documents, and avoids moving components unnecessarily until instructed.
Traps
Assuming "no damage" means "no report"; delaying notification; altering or discarding evidence; and confusing the CAA's safety role with TAIC's independent investigation role.