The SINCAIR Programme

The Singapore Confidential Aviation Incident Reporting (SINCAIR) programme is a voluntary, non-punitive confidential incident reporting system established by the Air Accident Investigation Bureau of Singapore (AAIB), inline with the recommendation of Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention.  SINCAIR provides a channel for the reporting of aviation incidents and safety deficiencies while protecting the reporter's identity.
However, SINCAIR does not obviate the need for mandatory reporting of aircraft accidents and incidents to the relevant authorities under the existing law. 
While the mandatory reporting of accidents and incidents will often result in investigations and safety recommendations, many incidents that have potential in helping to enhance safety go unreported.  Thus, many opportunities to learn from the incidents, and to prevent incidents and accidents, are lost.

The principal aim of SINCAIR is to enhance aviation safety through the collection of feedback on incidents that would otherwise not be reported through other channels or that may appear minor, but which nevertheless can allow others to learn from the reporter's experience and even lead to changes in procedures or design.  SINCAIR focuses on systems, human factors, procedures and equipment, rather than on individuals.

Scope of the SINCAIR Programme

SINCAIR covers the following areas:

1. Flight Operations:       
   1. Departure/enroute/approach  landing
   2. Aircraft cabin operations
   3. Air proximity events
   4. Weight and balance and Performance   
      
2. Ground Operations: 
   
   1. Aircraft ground operations
   2. Movement on the airport
   3. Fuelling operations
   4. Airport conditions or services
   5. Cargo Loading
      
3. Air Traffic Management: 
   
1. ATC operations
2. ATC equipment and navigation aids
3. Crew and ATC communications
   
4. Maintenance:
   
1. Aircraft maintenance
2. Record keeping
   
5. Miscellaneous:
   1. Safety-related passenger handling operations

Therefore, flight and cabin crew members, air traffic controllers, licensed aircraft engineers, employees of maintenance, design and manufacturing organisations, airport operators, airport employees, and individuals involved in general aviation can all contribute to safety enhancement through the SINCAIR programme by reporting on actual or potential hazards and deficiencies in aviation operations.

How to make a SINCAIR Report

You can make a SINCAIR report by completing a postage-paid SINCAIR Form and mailing it to the SINCAIR Programme Manager at the following address:

SINCAIR Programme Manager
Air Accident Investigation Bureau of Singapore
Changi Airport Post Office
P.O. Box 1005
Singapore 918155
Republic of Singapore

The SINCAIR Form is available from the AAIB website.  You may also request the AAIB [Tel: (65) 6541 2796 or Fax: (65) 6542 2394] to send the form to you by post.
Anonymous reports will not be accepted.  Your contact details are needed to enable the SINCAIR Programme Manager to obtain amplifying or clarifying information from you when necessary.  Without complete information, the range of safety enhancement follow-up options could be limited.  Your contact details will also allow the SINCAIR Programme Manager to advise you of the action taken or outcome arising from your report, before the report is returned to you (click here to see how a SINCAIR report is processed to safeguard confidentiality). 

What Should NOT Be Reported?

• Accidents, serious incidents or criminal activities.   [Such reports should be made to the appropriate authorities.]
• Incidents or events with no aviation safety content.
• Personal problems, personality conflicts and industrial relations issues.
• Legal/commercial disputes.

Note:  The definitions of “accident” and “serious incident” as defined in Annex 13 to the Chicago Convention are available here.

When Do You Make A Report?

• When you wish others to learn and benefit from the incident but are concerned about protecting your identity.
• When there is no other appropriate reporting procedure or channel.
• When you have tried other reporting procedure or channel without the issue having been addressed.

Note: It is possible that an incident reported by you is also reported to the other relevant authorities by a third party.  The SINCAIR system cannot prevent these other authorities from taking whatever action they deem necessary, even though your identity will be protected by the SINCAIR Programme

How Are SINCAIR Reports Processed?

The AAIB has paid particular attention to the need to protect the identity of the reporter in its processing of SINCAIR reports.  The processing is inline with international best practices.  The Ministry of Transport, Singapore, stands by the aim of the SINCAIR programme and AAIB's efforts in protecting the identity of the reporters.
The SINCAIR report will be read and validated by the Programme Manager.  The Programme Manager may contact the reporter to make sure he understands the nature and circumstances of the incident reported or to obtain the necessary additional information and clarification.

When the Programme Manager is satisfied that the information obtained is complete and coherent, he will then de-identify the information and enter the data into the SINCAIR database.  Excessive details that could point to the source will also be avoided.

If, during the course of addressing the concerns raised in the report, it becomes necessary to seek the input of third parties, only the de-identified data will be used in the discussion.

After the information is captured in the database, the SINCAIR Form will be returned to the reporter, with the date of return annotated.  No copy of the SINCAIR report will be created or retained. 

Note: After the return of the SINCAIR Form to the reporter, the Programme Manager will have no more reference to the reporter and will not be able to contact the reporter.

The Programme Manager aims to return the SINCAIR Form to the reporter as soon as possible.  The time needed by him to process the report depends on the complexity of the case and whether he needs to discuss the case with the reporter or consult a third party (using de-identified data).  He will endeavour to complete the processing within three working days if additional information is not needed. 

If the Programme Manager is away from his office for a prolonged period, the Alternate Programme Manager will perform the SINCAIR administration duties.  Each SINCAIR report will be read and followed through by either the Programme Manager or the Alternate Programme Manager and by only one of them.

Feedback to the Aviation Community

Relevant de-identified reports and extracts will be shared with the aviation community through periodic publication, so that all can learn from the experiences. Relevant authorities and parties can also review their policy and plan for improvements. 
However, if the content of a SINCAIR report suggests a situation or condition that poses an immediate or urgent threat to aviation safety, the report will be handled with priority and referred, after de-identification, to the relevant organisations as soon as possible to enable them to take the necessary safety actions.

Contacting AAIB or the SINCAIR Programme Manager 

You are welcome to call the AAIB to enquire about the SINCAIR programme or to request for a preliminary discussion with the SINCAIR Programme Manager before making a report.  The Programme Manager and Alternate Programme Manager are contactable during office hours from Monday to Friday at the following telephone numbers:

Programme Manager

Mr Michael Toft
 (65) 6541 2797

Alternate Programme Manager
Mr Chong Chow Wah
 (65) 6541 2798

SINCAIR Form

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