MAAA Wingspan

6 WING SPAN MAY Through this process, we are not only protecting the reputation and future of our sport, but sharing the collective knowledge of incidents that occur in the flying community to make our sport safer for all involved. In doing so, we reduce the number of accidents and improve the general public’s perception of our sport. How does the MAAA help you? The MAAA adopts an open culture for investigating accidents and incidents, so that our members can feel confident reporting an incident without fearing repercussions. The MAAA doesn’t blame members; our job is to keep you, your clubs and your planes safe. By receiving reports on incidents or accidents, no matter how insignificant you may feel it is - we can look at reoccurring trends and come up with a resolution that ensures the sport is safer now and into the future. 7 simple steps for managing an incident and accident 1. The Club (or Contest/Display Director of an event) should advise the MAAA Secretary immediately when an incident or accident has occurred. This can be done 24/7 via email (secretary@maaa.asn.au ) or via phone (0499 060 611) (leave a phone message after hours). 2. The Club (or Contest/Display Director of an event) should obtain fill in the MAAA Incident Investigation available from the MAAA website https://www.maaa . asn.au/club-support/incidents-accidents/incident- report-investigation-form. These forms should be completed with witness statements, photos, plans, maps and any other documentation considered necessary. Too much information is better than not enough. 3. The Club (or Contest/Display Director of an event) should investigate and identify corrective actions to minimise the possibility of the accident/incident reoccurring. The club should complete a MAAA Incident Investigation form and send the completed forms to the MAAA Secretary. It is important that the Club (or Contest/Display Director of an event) includes recommended corrective actions in the appropriate section of the Investigation Report to assist the MAAA Executive is considering ‘close out’ of the incident. 4. The MAAA Secretary will send the Incidents Report and the Investigation Report to the MAAA executive and the state associations receive a copy. Where there is a potential insurance claim, the MAAA secretary will also forward the reports to the insurance broker to advise the insurance company of an accident/incident and the potential of a claim. 5. The MAAA Executive will review at the next executive meeting all new Incident Reports and Investigation Reports and make a decision about closing the incident/accident. 6. The MAAA office communicates with the member and club about the decision and course of action that needs to be taken. Following the completion or closing of an accident, clubs are expected to implement and enforce the agreed effective risk management strategies to reduce the possibility of the accident reoccurring. 7. Once the incident is closed, a summary is then placed on a 12-month rotational table within the executive minutes which are circulated to all state associations. FAQs What types of incidents or accidents are dealt with by the MAAA? The MAAA is involved and manages all accidents and incidents that have the potential to result in an insurance claim. This could involve damage to property or injury to a person or a group of people. What might be seen as a minor injury, may have medical complications later on and require assistance and insurance. It is important to report all types of incidents or accidents no matter how big or small. Why does the MAAA need to be notified immediately? Reporting an accident or incident immediately to the MAAA is a requirement condition disclosed in the MAAA Insurance. Do not admit liability even if you think you are at fault. The insurer is entitled to deny a claim or pay a reduced amount if statements made by you prejudice the insurer’s position. By providing accurate information, maps, plans, witness statements etc, you allow the MAAA to promptly investigate. This reduces the possibility of a similar accident occurring and impacting your fellow members. Who needs to complete the Accident Report? The club is responsible for completing the Accident/ Incident forms and ensuring the accident/incident is closed.