Skip to main content

Aviation Safety: Changes Needed in FAA's Service Difficulty Reporting Program

RCED-91-24 Published: Mar 21, 1991. Publicly Released: Apr 05, 1991.
Jump To:
Skip to Highlights

Highlights

Pursuant to a congressional request, GAO evaluated the effectiveness of the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) Service Difficulty Reporting (SDR) program, focusing on: (1) the usefulness of SDR data to FAA and airline personnel; (2) factors affecting SDR usefulness; and (3) changes needed to improve the program.

Recommendations

Recommendations for Executive Action

Agency Affected Recommendation Status
Department of Transportation The Secretary of Transportation should direct the Administrator, FAA, to examine various alternatives for managing the SDR program and to select one that most effectively achieves the program's goals. In addition to the alternative of FAA continuing to manage the program, the Administrator should consider the feasibility of contracting with either the major engine and airframe manufacturers or a private, independent organization to manage the SDR program.
Closed – Implemented
The Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee recommended and FAA decided to keep the SDR system within FAA. FAA has also changed the reporting procedures to improve the accuracy, consistency, and timeliness of the system.
Federal Aviation Administration The Administrator, FAA, should report on his decision regarding SDR management alternatives to the Chairman, Subcommittee on Aviation, Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, before the end of 1991.
Closed – Implemented
The Administrator reported as recommended.

Full Report

Office of Public Affairs

Topics

Air transportationAircraft maintenanceDatabasesQuality controlReporting requirementsSafety regulationTransportation safetyAirlinesAircraftEngineers