Aviation Terminology
Aircraft Accident
An occurrence associated with the operation of an aircraft which takes
place between the time any person boards the aircraft with the intention of
flight and all such persons have disembarked, and in which any person suffers
death or serious injury, or in which the aircraft receives substantial
damage.
Aircraft Incident
An occurrence other than an accident, associated with the operation
of an aircraft, which affects or could affect the safety of
operations.
Airspace Conflict
A near mid-air collision, intrusion, or violation of airspace
rules.
Aviation Hazard
Any condition, act, or set of circumstances that exposes an
individual to unnecessary risk or harm during aviation operations.
Fatal Injury
Any
injury which results in death within 30 days of the accident.
First Aid
Any
medical attention that involves no medical bill. If a physician prescribes
medical treatment for less than serious injury and makes a charge for this
service, that injury becomes "medical attention."
Forced Landing
A
landing necessitated by failure of engines, systems, or components which makes
continued flight impossible, and which may or may not result in
damage.
General Aviation
That portion of civil aviation that encompasses all facets of
aviation except air carriers.
Incident with potential
An incident that narrowly misses being an accident and in which the
circumstances indicate significant potential for substantial damage or serious
injury. Final classification will be determined by the USFS Aviation Safety
Manager.
Maintenance Deficiency
An equipment defect or failure which affects or could affect the
safety of operations, or that causes an interruption to the services being
performed.
Medical Attention
An injury, less than serious, for which a physician prescribes
medical treatment and makes a charge for this service.
Non-chargeable Accidents
Those in which USFS was not exercising operation control over the
aircraft at the time of the accident but in which USFS employees or USFS
procured aircraft were involved.
Operator
Any
person who causes or authorizes the operation of an aircraft, such as the owner,
lessee, or bailee of an aircraft.
Precautionary Landing
A landing necessitated by apparent impending failure of engines,
systems, or components which makes continued flight inadvisable.
Serious Injury
Any injury which: (1) requires hospitalization for more than 48
hours, commencing within 7 days from the date the injury was received; (2)
results in a fracture of any bone (except simple fractures of fingers, toes, or
nose); (3) causes severe hemorrhages, nerve, muscle, or tendon damage; (4)
involves any internal organ; or (5) involves second or third degree burns, or
any burns affecting more than 5 percent of the body surface.
Statistically Accountable
Accidents
Those in which USFS exercised
operational control of the aircraft.
Substantial Damage
Damage or failure which adversely affects the structural strength,
performance, or flight characteristics of the aircraft, and which would normally
require major repair or replacement of the affected component. Engine failure or
damage limited to an engine if only one engine fails or is damaged, bent
fairings or cowling, dented skin, small punctured holes in the skin or fabric,
ground damage to rotor or propeller blades, and damage to landing gear, wheels,
tires, flaps, engine accessories, brakes, or wing tips are not considered
"substantial damage" for the purpose of 49 CFR Part 830.
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