The trickiest area of the FAIR system is the treatment of non-culpable errors. I know that some are under the impression that genuine, honest mistakes should not result in action being taken against their maker. However, as we know, student pilots who repeatedly make mistakes (however honestly) are liable to be suspended for lack of ability. Reaching the front line does not render one 'safe' and the suspension process continues to be avaialable throughout an individual's career. Night AAR is one example that occasionally catches out those who think they have 'made it' when they join their first squadron! This is only right and proper, but it does make application of FAIR a bit of a pickle. How many genuine mistakes can someone make before they become a cause for concern? Should you apply a remedial training package to every mistake, or wait for a second, related mistake?
It all comes down to judgement, and it is easy to see how mis-perceptions can arise. 'Pilot A', a capable pilot with a good track record, might land below diversion fuel, debrief the incident appropriately to the Duty Auth, submit a DASOR and hear nothing more of it. 'Pilot B', with a chequered flying training record and a propensity for minor errors, might land below diversion fuel, submit a DASOR and find himself in front of Flt Cdr Trg signing review paperwork ahead of a remedial training package. To those without knowledge of the individuals involved, it's easy to see everything through the FAIR lens and view this as unjust, whereas it's actually the flying supervision system going about its normal business.
It's important to note that suspension from flying duties for lack of ability is not a disciplinary matter!
Last edited by Easy Street; 29th Oct 2013 at 00:19.