Near Midair Collision (NMAC) reporting provides information for use in enhancing the safety and efficiency of the National Airspace System
Data obtained from NMAC reports are used by the FAA to improve the quality of FAA services to users and to develop programs, policies, and procedures aimed at the reduction of NMAC occurrences
Definition:
A near midair collision is defined as any incident associated with the operation of an aircraft in which a possibility of collision occurs as a result of proximity of less than 500' to an other aircraft, or a report is received from a pilot or a flight crew member stating that a collision hazard existed between two or more aircraft
Figure 1: Hudson Mid Air Collision
Reporting Responsibility:
Responsibility of the pilots to determine whether a near midair collision did actually occur, and if so, initiate a report
Pilots must state clearly "I wish to report a near midair collision"
Where to File Reports:
Pilots and/or flight crew members involved in NMAC occurrences are urged to report each incident immediately:
By radio or telephone to the nearest FAA ATC facility or FSS
Identification and type of reporting aircraft, aircrew destination, name and home base of pilot
Identification and type of other aircraft, aircrew destination, name and home base of pilot
Type of flight plans; station altimeter setting used
Detailed weather conditions at altitude or flight level
Approximate courses of both aircraft, indicate if one or both aircraft were climbing or descending
Reported separation in distance at first sighting, proximity at closest point horizontally and vertically, and length of time in sight prior to evasive action
Degree of evasive action taken, if any (from both aircraft, if possible)
Injuries, if any
The Investigation:
The FSDO in whose area the incident occurred is responsible for the investigation and reporting of NMACs
Existing radar, communication, and weather data will be examined in the conduct of the investigation
When possible, all cockpit crew members will be interviewed regarding factors involving the NMAC incident
ATC will be interviewed in cases where one or more of the involved aircraft was provided ATC service
Both flight and ATC procedures will be evaluated
When the investigation reveals a violation of an FAA regulation, enforcement action will be pursued
Conclusion:
All NMAC reports are thoroughly investigated by Flight Standards Facilities in coordination with Air Traffic Facilities
Data from these investigations are transmitted to FAA Headquarters in Washington D.C., where they are compiled and analyzed, and where safety programs and recommendations are developed
