Prevention: Threat and Error Management

Threat and Error Management (TEM)

TEM is a structured approach to identifying and managing threats and errors in aviation. By understanding threats and errors, you can develop strategies to prevent infringements.

Identifying Threats

External Threats

• Weather
• Terrain
• Traffic
• Airspace restrictions
• Equipment limitations

Internal Threats

• Fatigue
• Illness
• Stress
• Distraction
• Overconfidence

Recognizing Errors

Planning Errors

• Inadequate preflight planning
• Failure to check NOTAMs
• Incorrect route planning

Execution Errors

• Failure to follow procedures
• Incorrect altitude maintenance
• Navigation errors

Communication Errors

• Misunderstanding ATC
• Failure to read back clearances
• Inadequate position reporting

Prevention Strategies

Before Flight

1. Thorough Preflight Planning

   • Review all airspace along your route
   • Check for restricted areas, MOAs, and Class B airspace
   • Plan alternate routes if necessary
   • Check NOTAMs for airspace-related information

2. Chart Study

   • Familiarize yourself with airspace boundaries
   • Identify potential problem areas
   • Note altitude restrictions

3. Weather Planning

   • Ensure weather is suitable for VFR flight
   • Plan for weather-related deviations
   • Identify alternate airports

During Flight

1. Maintain Situational Awareness

   • Monitor your position continuously
   • Cross-check GPS with visual references
   • Maintain awareness of airspace boundaries
   • Use moving map displays effectively

2. Altitude Management

   • Set altimeter correctly
   • Monitor altitude continuously
   • Correct deviations immediately
   • Use altitude alerters if available

3. Communication

   • Request flight following
   • Report your position regularly
   • Ask for clarification if unsure
   • Maintain radio contact with ATC

4. Navigation

   • Use multiple navigation methods
   • Cross-check position regularly
   • Verify landmarks visually
   • Use GPS as backup to visual navigation

Tools and Resources

Moving Map Displays

• Provide real-time position information
• Display airspace boundaries
• Alert to airspace proximity
• Enhance situational awareness

Flight Following

• Provides radar surveillance
• Alerts to traffic conflicts
• Helps maintain situational awareness
• Available from most ATC facilities

Preflight Briefing

• Obtain weather briefing
• Check NOTAMs
• Verify airspace information
• Identify potential hazards

Personal Risk Assessment

Evaluate Your Risk

• How familiar are you with the route?
• What is your experience level?
• What is your fatigue level?
• What is the weather forecast?
• What airspace challenges exist?

Adjust Your Strategy

• Add extra margin to airspace boundaries
• Request flight following
• Plan more frequent position checks
• Consider alternate routes
• Consider postponing if risk is high