The Initial Approach Fix

Since July 1955, this magazine has been the voice of naval-aviation safety—your voice. Back then, it was called “The Approach, U.S. Naval Aviation Safety Review,” and was introduced to the fleet during a time when the aviation-Class A mishap rate was 38.18 mishaps per 100,000 flight hours. We lost 225 aviators and destroyed 611 aircraft that year (1955), not bad when you compare this data to the year earlier. In 1954, we had a mishap rate of 50.54, and the toll was 263 aviators and 776 aircraft.

Today, we are the beneficiaries of advanced technology, proactive safety programs, and continued engaged leadership. But let’s also include one more factor, one where you, the naval-aviation community, play a key role: this publication and our cornerstone “There I was” stories.

The following is a reprint of the foreword in that first issue of Approach. It was written by the Deputy Chief of Naval Operations (Air), VAdm. Thomas Combs. While published more than 53 years ago, his words still ring true. “It is with a great deal of pleasure that I address you through the medium of the first issue of the Naval Aviation Safety Review.

“Naval aviation has progressed very rapidly during the past few years. To realize maximum effectiveness and combat readiness, it has been necessary to place strong emphasis on our aviation accident-prevention program. The excellent progress which has been made during the past year is most gratifying and has resulted in the saving of lives and the conservation of extremely costly equipment.

“The Naval Aviation Safety Review will provide a medium through which all of us can benefit from the experiences of others. By bringing to light the mistakes, as well as the accomplishments of others who fly, we can reduce the number of instances in which pilots must learn the hard way.

“The accident-prevention program is an all-hands evolution, and this publication is intended for the use of all who may contribute to the safety of our flight operations. We must all, individually and collectively, contribute to the aviation-safety program by hard work in our own particular specialty. By submitting ideas, articles, experiences, and photographs pertinent to the problems that we encounter for publication in this magazine, we can make a special contribution, which will help to keep the accident rate on its present downward trend.”

Here is an expanded issue of Approach, showcasing more stories that keep this tradition going. Naval aviation is grateful to every aviator who takes the time to reflect on his/her experiences, write the story, and contribute to the safety mission. The benefits of your efforts were recognized at the beginning and are just as valuable today.

Current aviation-mishap statistics can be found on the Naval Safety Center’s website at: http://www.safetycenter. navy.mil/statistics/default.htm.