SAFE TRAINING
Classroom training courses on how to use SAFE or CARE are run according to demand. Any organisation subscribing to a SAFE or CARE license may request our trainers to attend an in house training course for as many staff as is required or register individually for a joint course with other airlines.
Classroom training takes one whole day and contains basic fatigue science. Delegates are encouraged to bring problematic rosters for analysis and consultation to discover the optimum solution using the SAFE model. If the course is taken with the Fatigue and Countermeasures training, the SAFE course can be delivered in one half day. Reduced or extended courses e.g. for “train the trainer” can be accommodated.
Training via a web based e-learning package is also available.
In an era when new software is intuitive and numeric outputs are clear, it is tempting to just use the software straight away and not bother to even look at the manual. Whilst SAFE is indeed, easy to use and intuitive, users are strongly urged to avoid this trap as using the functions is only a small part of the skills required to get the best out of this model. The license terms for SAFE make training in fatigue and countermeasures and use of SAFE mandatory in order that the benefit of the science and validation process that is captured within the tool is used to maximum effect.
It is essential to attend a training course so that users are able to understand how to both use the model and how to interpret the output in order to make a difference to both the airline and the aircrew. This training is more about learning the skill of interpretation as the mechanics of using each function is indeed very simple and intuitive.
Training on how to use SAFE is essential as guidance is required in how to interpret the results. Whilst the programme suite will identify the raw fatigue score, the benefit to any airline is in how this is interpreted.
It is tempting for any large organisation to reduce the risk of managerial error by invoking a blanket cut off point above which no roster is deemed safe. Whilst that could be useful in terms of ease of management, any centrally imposed cut off point, say 4.0 on the Samn Perelli scale, negates the need for managers to make decisions. It also may have serious economic repercussions.
With training, managers and users will understand the trade-offs necessary to understand and manage fatigue issues, know how to integrate SAFE into their Fatigue Risk Management Systems and be able to make recommendations on local policies and have the right tool set to make a strong case for derogation to their Regulator if required.