Frequently Asked Questions About
Similar Occurrence Searches
Q - What is a Similar Occurrence Search?
This is a search of accident, incident and/or mechanical difficulty databases to find information concerning all similar
occurrences relating to the history or service record of that aircraft type/model.
Q - What could I learn from a similar occurrence search?
Primarily, two things. Forseeability and the likely points of failure.
Has this type of occurrence happened in the past, and, if so, how many times? Perhaps more importantly, this information
often provides vital clues in determining the failure process. Many investigators like to have a list of all known failure types so they can check off all but obvious failures and concentrate on unusual
factors. A familiar axiom is that THERE ARE NO NEW WAYS TO BREAK AIRCRAFT. We would add that the trick is to know which one it was.
Q - Is this a push-button type of thing where the computer does all the work?
Absolutely not. The computer merely selects all occurrences that share similar traits, such as airframe or engine make/model
and type of failure.
There is no substitute for an experienced investigator, who can quickly eliminate all extraneous/improbable reports from his
list. ADR searches are intentionally broad, as investigators quite often benefit from "serendipitous" information contained in many reports, those being useful items investigators weren't aware
they were looking for.
Q - How does an accident investigator factor into the Similar Occurrence Search picture?
One experienced investigator client compares an ADR Similar Occurrence Search to an interview with a pilot or mechanic who
has extensive experience on that make and model of aircraft. He calls it thirty years of experience in a can.
Computers will never replace experienced investigators in reviewing and understanding accident/incident or mechanical
difficulty reports. Neither can a clerk replace an aviator in selecting records to review. At ADR, our objective is to retrieve all relevant records, without overwhelming the user with excess material
which cannot be adequately reviewed.
Q - Why are these databases not better known and more widely used?
The problem has been getting to the data. Between crude software and inexperienced search personnel, it was difficult to
obtain quality information. So the databases got a bad rap through no fault of their own.
Air Data Research first developed specialized retrieval software, then discovered that the second key was the person doing
the search - the interface between the data and the investigator. ADR's researchers are all experienced pilots and mechanics with at least thirty years of experience.
Q - What if my aircraft model has never had, or shows very few, accidents and incidents?
That's another reason why experienced searchers will never be replaced by a computer. Chances are good that there are a
number of very similar models that share the same system or component you're interested in. Our specialists can quickly research airframe, engine and system commonality to insure that you receive all
relevant information.
Q - Why can't I do the same thing using some of the free internet services?
You can - you just won't be able to search all the available information. Most agencies don't provide access to ALL their
records or even all the data fields. But even if all the good stuff was available and the software tools were available to you, it would still depend upon what your time and project are worth.
Q - How are the search results delivered?
Most of our clients prefer to receive their reports in Adobe Acrobat .pdf files. These files are very compact and allow the
user to print as many clean originals as desired. This format is generic, so it is easy to forward copies to others who may be working on the same project.
We can also easily provide data files which you can import in to Microsoft Access or other database program for further
analysis.
Q - How quickly can the information be delivered?
All orders are filled within one business day and we do our best to accommodate rush orders. It is not uncommon to receive
the requested information within one hour via email.
Q - How do I place an order?
We generally get the best results if the principal investigator places the order, either telephonically or by email. This is
opportunity for us to give you an idea what type of information might be available and verify that it will meet your needs. We are also often able to suggest alternate and/or additional data sources.
The more detail you can give us, the better the results will be. As a minimum, we need to know what airframe or engine make
and model you're interested in. And, if possible, what system or component, part number or model number you've looking for, etc. We will work to expand or narrow the search to obtain a reasonable number
of records without overwhelming you.
Q - Is there a guarantee?
We are proud of our work and stand behind it fully. If for any reason you're not satisfied or the data we provide isn't
helpful, we'll do whatever it takes to make it right.
There is never a charge to discuss your project; give you a rough idea of what is available; and provide you with a firm
price. Even if we can't provide what you're looking for, we probably know who can and we'll be happy to tell you.
Please let us know if you have additional questions about our products and services.
|
