View Full Version : Accident investigator advise
Japessebas
21st Sep 2009, 19:20
Can any one give me advise on where to start to become an investigator in the US. My experience so far is as a pilot, approx 3000hrs.
thank you
BoeingMEL
1st Oct 2009, 13:40
...contact the FAA and/or NTSB in the US or attend an accident-investigation course at Cranfield, UK.
PS the word is advice, not advise!
Good luck anyway. bm
The University Of Southern California in LosAngeles has (or had) an aircraft accident investigation course that was first rate.
I would call USC and ask about this, PDQ.
con-pilot
1st Oct 2009, 16:34
I attended the NTSB Aircraft Accident Investigating School I and II at the FAA Aeronautical Center in Oklahoma City. However, I was working for the US Government at the time and only attended to check a box for advancement.
There were non-government students in the class, but how they were able to attend I've no clue.
411A has posted a good idea, I would recommend taking his advice.
(Funny thing is that I was involved in the investigation of three aircraft accident before I attended the school and none since.)
grizzled
1st Oct 2009, 19:08
The two most recognised programmes of study currently in the US are both in Southern California: USC (as has been mentioned), and SCSI (Southern California Safety Institute). Both websites contain everything you need to know to get started.
Before enrolling, you may want to buy a book or two: "Aircraft Accident Investigation" by Wood and Sweginnis is a good start.
Read ICAO Annex 13, and if you can get a copy of ICAO's Manual of Aircraft Accident Investigation (ICAO Doc 6920) do so. (It's very expensive to purchase -- around $400 US, so try to find someone who will loan you a copy.)
Good Luck!
CP: PM me if you want work!
;)
Intruder
1st Oct 2009, 20:29
I attended the Navy's Aviation Safety Officer School at the Naval Postgraduate School, Monterrey, CA. That course also concentrates on mishap investigation.
I had investigated 5 major mishaps prior to going to the school, and only assisted in 1 afterward.
As with the FAA school, I don't know if non-military-related civilians can get in.