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BRIEFING MEMO
FTSC Workshop “Defining the Edge”
11-13 November 2008
NLR, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
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Amsterdam is a lively city with numerous cultural offerings. We encourage you to bring your spouse or family! A separate spouse program will be organized; spouses will be able to join all Workshop social events (Tuesday and Thursday receptions, Wednesday boat trip, and Thursday dinner).
The Workshop will be held at the Auditorium of the Dutch National Aerospace Laboratory NLR in Amsterdam. Travel directions to NLR can be found on the NLR website www.nlr.nl. For guests staying at the Eden Hotel, transport to and from NLR will be arranged.
THEME
The theme of the workshop is “Defining the Edge”. The nature of flight test requires us to work close to edges of the flight envelope where we do not know what lies beyond. How do we manage risk with this element of the unknown? How do we determine the risk of crossing the edge?
TUTORIAL SESSION
Dr. Sidney Dekker, Professor of Human Factors and Flight Safety, and Director of Research at Lund University, School of Aviation, Sweden will open the workshop on Tuesday, November 11, at 10:00am with a tutorial on understanding human error and developing effective mitigating techniques. Prof. Dekker has published a number of books on system safety, human error, reactions to failure and organizational resilience. His most recent books are “Ten Questions About Human Error: A New View of Human Factors and System Safety” (2005), “The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error” (2006), and “Just Culture: Balancing Safety and Accountability” (2007). He recently became an airline pilot, flying the Boeing 737NG part-time.
In line with the pragmatic approach of the Workshops the Tutorial will be both informative as well as a workshop where you are encouraged to bring forward your own experience. All attendants of the tutorial will receive a copy of Prof. Dekker’s book “The Field Guide to Understanding Human Error”.
ICEBREAKER RECEPTION
A Welcome Reception for all conference registrants and guests will be held in the Eden Rembrandt Hotel from 18:00 until approximately 20:00. Light snacks and drinks will be served.
TECHNICAL SESSIONS
The technical program will consist of four sessions: Civil Aviation Flight Test chaired by Mr. Wim Huson, former Chief Test Pilot Fokker Aircraft; Military Aviation Flight Test chaired by Capt. Patrick Musters of the RNLAF Flight Test Office; Flight Test Education chaired by Mr. John O'Connor, United States Naval Test Pilot School; Research Flight Testing chaired by Professor Bob Mulder, Delft University of Technology. Sessions will conclude with a Panel Discussion.
The sessions will focus on risk mitigation associated with every facet of flight testing, to include, but not limited to: education, planning (sound plan = safe plan), test condition buildup, test conduct, ground support, crew egress systems, use of ground base simulation, etc. Discussion will also include mitigating programmatic risks associated with schedule delays and escalating costs. The scope involves all members of a test team to include supporting facilities. The workshop will highlight the importance of sharing information and learning from our successes and failures.
On Wednesday, November 12, Technical Sessions start at 09:30 and will end at 16:30. Transport back to the hotel will be with a cruise over the canals of Amsterdam, drinks and light snacks will be served on board.
On Thursday, November 13, Technical Sessions start at 09:30 and will end at 15:30. The program continues after a bus trip to Soesterberg AFB, where the Royal Netherlands Air Force will host an informal reception at the Air Force Museum, followed by a diner at the Air Force Casino (former Officer’s Mess). Dress for the event is Business Casual and the ticket is included in the registration fee. Additional tickets for spouses may be purchased separately. The program will include presentation of the Best Paper Award, as well as a keynote address by a special diner speaker. Return to the hotel will be around 22:00.
ACCOMODATION
Participants are encouraged to stay at the designated hotel for the Workshop, the Eden Hotel located at the Rembrandt Square in the heart of the city. Special rates, including breakfast and internet access, have been negotiated and transport to and from this hotel will be arranged. Rates and availability are guaranteed for bookings made before September 10, 2008.
PROCEEDINGS
Due to the committee's strict non attribution policy no formal proceedings are published, but those presentations that are cleared for publication will be posted on the Flight Test Safety Committee website www.flighttestsafety.org.
EXHIBITS
Exhibits by vendors will be available throughout the Workshop.
WORKSHOP REGISTRATION
Symposium registration includes all luncheons, refreshments, Tuesday and Thursday receptions, Wednesday cruise and the Thursday diner. Separate diner tickets can be purchased for non-registered guests. Please register for the workshop using the SETP secure online form or by fax. Registration at the door is possible but subject to availability. A late registration fee applies for registrations made after October 11.
Note that the hotel reservation must be done separately from the Workshop reservations!
EDUCATIONAL CREDITS
This Workshop is recognized by Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University and attendants may receive CEU credits.
ATTIRE
The workshop organization likes to promote an open and informal atmosphere. The attire for the event and all social activities will be Business Casual or military equivalent.