Course Information
This course covers the technical aspects of the aircraft accident investigation process, starting with preparation for investigation through report writing. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of human factors, survival factors, structures, and systems investigative techniques and the application of accident investigation findings in industry and research. A critical analysis of selected aircraft accidents and an evaluation of casual factors are covered. You will have the opportunity to practice data collection skills in the Virtual Crash Laboratory.
A study of the elements of aircraft accident investigation is essential to continued improvements in aviation safety programs and is applicable to any industry with a aviation component. This course is designed to provide you with the need for a comprehensive investigation process, the relationship of human factors in mishaps, an awareness of identifying risk and problem areas before an accident occurs, and an evaluation of casual factors and recommendations to industry.
Upon successful completion of all components of the course, you should be able to:
- Demonstrate the methods of collecting, preserving, and reconstructing accident scene data (e.g., explain the major elements of accident scene photography).
- Discuss and apply legislation and regulations governing accident reporting, recovery, jurisdiction and investigation.
- Explain and apply the composition and role of the initial response or “go” team.
- Differentiate the roles and responsibilities of the Federal Aviation Administration, the National Transportation Safety Board, Military Agencies, and others for the conduct of aircraft accident investigations.
- Identify and discuss the methods, techniques, and procedures involved in aircraft accident investigation.
- Identify the elements of accident scene safety.
- Understand and apply investigative techniques associated with three phases of crash survival (impact, egress, and environment).
The course is comprised of four modules over a four-week period:
Module 1 - Legislation, Roles and Responsibilities (available on March 23, 2015 at 8:00am EDT)
Activities:
- Introduce Yourself
- 1.1 - Learning Resources
- 1.1.1 - Industry Resources
- 1.1.2 - Module 1 Presentations
- 1.1.3 - Video: A Word from Assistant Professor Jeff Jennings
- 1.1.4 - Live Lecture (March 25th, 2015)
- 1.1.5 - What Inspired the Virtual Crash Lab “Peak” Crash?
- 1.2 - Introduction to the Virtual Crash Lab, Accident Video, and Crash Lab Tutorial
- 1.3 - Discussion: Foundations of Accident Investigation
- 1.4 - Module 1 Quiz
Module 2 - Survival Factors Investigation, Scene Safety, and Application of Findings in Industry (available on March 30, 2015 at 8:00 EDT)
Activities:
- 2.1 - Learning Resources
- 2.1.1 - Industry Resources
- 2.1.2 - Recorded Lecture
- 2.1.3 - Air Crash Investigation: Survival Video
- 2.2 - Discussion: Survival Factors Investigation
- 2.3 - Module 2 Quiz
Module 3 - Human Factors Contributing Dynamics in Aircraft Accident Investigation (available on April 6, 2015 at 8:00am EDT)
Activities:
- 3.1 - Learning Resources
- 3.1.1 - Industry Resources
- 3.1.2 - Recorded Lecture
- 3.1.3 - Video Clips and Simulations of Various Aircraft Accidents
- 3.2 - Discussion: Human Factors Issues as Contributing Factors in Aviation Accidents
- 3.3 - Module 3 Quiz
Module 4 - Systems and Structures Investigation Techniques (available on April 13, 2015 at 8:00am EDT)
Activities:
- 4.1 - Learning Resources
- 4.1.1 - Industry Resources
- 4.1.2 - Module Presentations
- 4.1.3 - Video: Aircraft Accident Investigations: Mid-air Collisions
- 4.1.4 - Live Lecture (April 15th, 2015)
- 4.2 - Discussion Activity
- 4.3 - Module 4 Quiz
- To be successful in this course, you should plan to spend approximately 3 to 5 hours working on each module.
- The content of each module must be viewed sequentially as listed on the Modules page.
- In case you have any questions regarding the course content, you may use the Online Office in the Discussions area or you may also send a private email to our MOOC team (wwmcins@erau.edu)
- There is no prerequisite knowledge related to this course apart from basic to intermediate computer literacy.
- There are no financial costs associated with this course.
What to expect from your MOOC instructor:
Depending on the module, our MOOC faculty will post a recorded lecture (Modules 2 and 3) or conduct a live lecture (Modules 1 and 4, which will be recorded for future reference). Subject matter experts will respond to all emails, discussion posts, and live-lecture questions within 48 hours. Module quizzes will be automatically graded.
There are no grading requirements for those who are not pursuing a module badge and the Aircraft Accident Investigation MOOC Certificate of Completion. For those of you pursuing a module badge, the following requirements must be met:
- Review all content pages, including Module Overviews and Wrap-Ups as well as the content related to the readings, recorded lectures, live lectures, and the Virtual Crash Lab.
- Participate in the module discussion activity (first post for each discussion activity is marked as Complete/Incomplete).
- Achieve the score of 80% in the module quiz.
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Note: Throughout the course, you will see a “Badge Activity” icon located in the activities required to earn a badge. |
Important
For those of you pursuing the Aircraft Accident Investigation MOOC Certificate of Completion, you must successfully complete the requirements of all four modules, which will be evidenced by the reward of four module badges. At the end of the course, upon successful completion of the aforementioned requirements for all four modules, you will be given access to a form in which you will enter your name as you would like it to appear on your certificate as well as the email address to which you would like us send your certificate. Note: Your Aircraft Accident Investigation MOOC Certificate of Completion will be sent to you via email within 30 days after the end of the course.
One of the great things about participating in a MOOC is being part of a learning community. While a majority of our learning will take place in this Canvas Network course room, we will also be active on Twitter
Links to an external site.. We want you to join the conversation whenever you can, in a way that is comfortable for you. Additionally, check the Announcements area on a regular basis for important messages from your MOOC instructor.
Now that you have reviewed important information about this course, select Next to learn more about the subject matter experts involved in this course.