Root Cause Analysis

As aviation organizations strive for higher safety performance and more resilient operations, the ability to identify true root causes of incidents, rather than surface-level symptoms, has become essential. This class offers an in-depth exploration of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) methodologies and practical applications tailored to flight, maintenance, and ground operations environments. Emphasis is placed on using RCA not only to resolve issues, but to build stronger systems, reduce recurring failures, and strengthen organizational learning.

Participants will examine how to differentiate symptoms from root causes using real-world data, apply investigative tools such as Fishbone diagrams, 5 Whys, and FMEA, and conduct bias-free interviews and evidence collection. They will analyze cross-functional case studies, develop and present RCA charts, and design corrective and preventive actions aligned with SMS/QMS requirements and broader organizational goals.

By attending this course, participants will gain the insight and tools needed to lead meaningful investigations, implement effective corrective actions, and support long-term safety and performance improvement.

By the end of this class, participants will be equipped to:

1. Apply RCA methodologies to investigate operational events across functional areas
2. Accurately distinguish between symptoms and root causes using structured analysis techniques
3. Conduct effective interviews and gather evidence while minimizing bias and preserving data integrity
4. Develop corrective and preventive actions that are SMART and aligned with organizational objectives
5. Monitor the effectiveness of corrective actions using SPIs and contribute to continuous improvement initiatives

1. Safety and operations professionals in aviation
2. Incident investigators and risk management staff
3. Quality assurance and compliance officers
4. Maintenance and engineering supervisors
5. Flight operations and ground operations personnel
6. Regulatory authority and oversight investigators
7. Other aviation professionals seeking to improve investigative and corrective action skills