module specification

The aviation industry comprises a vast number of interdependent factions, resulting in significant operational complexities. This, combined with a highly regulated environment, a competitive and dynamic external landscape, and substantial government involvement, exposes both airlines and airports to a wide range of internal and external risks and uncertainties.
This module explores key aspects of aviation safety and security, particularly as they relate to accidents and incidents, including the regulations and processes currently in place. It also examines the roles of regulators, relevant government agencies, and international organisations in promoting effective safety and security management through the use of Safety Management Systems (SMS) and Security Management Systems (SeMS).
The module aims for students to be able to:
1. develop an understanding of current best practices promoted by competent regulators and international aviation organisations in enhancing safety and security in the industry.
2. gain knowledge and of the systems and procedures that contribute to making commercial aviation an exceptionally safe mode of transport, with a particular focus on SMS.
3. acquire tools and techniques for identifying, assessing and managing hazards, threats and risks.
4. understand how SeMS can be integrated into airport and airline operations.

NONE

Safety Regulation

• The regulatory framework for safety and security LO1

• Regulation organisation and rulemaking LO1

Accident reporting and SMS

• Recording and reporting on safety and security data LO2/3

• Review of safety and safety statistics LO2/3

• Safety Management Systems (ICAO Annex 19 and doc 9859) LO2

• Accident causation models including HFACs, HFAM, 5M etc. LO2

• Safety Reporting LO2

• Safety Culture LO2

Airline and airport security

• ICAO Annex 17-Aviation Security LO3

• Security Management System (SeMS) LO3

• Collaborations in aviation Security LO3

The formal delivery of teaching and learning for this module will comprise an average of three contact hours per week across 12 teaching weeks, supplemented by additional enrichment weeks throughout the semester. Each week will typically include a two-hour interactive session employing a range of teaching and learning strategies. These include workshops, lectures, guest speakers, case study discussions, panel debates, video analysis, as well as scenario-based activities and real-time simulations. Peer-to-peer learning is embedded within the module, as students collaborate to develop practical solutions and critically assess their impact.
Group work is a core component of the learning experience, encouraging active engagement as students share their knowledge and experience through discussion and collaboration. In addition, a one-hour seminar each week will adopt a more focused, discussion-led approach to explore current themes and emerging trends within the aviation industry. This will be further enriched through input from alumni, who will offer career insights, and guest lecturers who provide industry-specific context.
The module also makes extensive use of interactive learning spaces, supporting dialogue between students and staff, and facilitating access to a range of academic resources, including journal articles, professional websites, and external materials. Active participation in class discussions and debates is encouraged, recognising the diverse professional backgrounds and experiences that students bring to the programme.
Students are expected to prepare in advance for each session by reviewing the module schedule, which will be shared online and summarised by tutors at the end of each lecture. This preparation involves independent research and reading around the weekly themes to enable meaningful contributions to class discussions and Q&A activities.
Opportunities for reflective learning are embedded throughout the module. Students are encouraged to consider their approaches to tasks and discussions, and to reflect on informal feedback received during lectures and in relation to their submitted assessments.

At the end of this module, Students will be able to:

1. LO1 Assess the regulatory framework that affects the air transport sector with regard to health, safety and security.
2. LO2 Evaluate the structure and importance of implementing safety management systems in aviation.
3. LO3 Explore new and existing information on contemporary issues in aviation security and the importance of national and international co-operation with a view to identifying new patterns of thinking and relationships.

https://rl.talis.com/3/londonmet/lists/072769DD-699F-3846-67A3-3782CF724B1E.html

Core Textbooks

1. Sweet, K. (2009). Aviation and Airport Security, Terrorism and Safety Concerns. CRC Press.
2. Stephen J Wright (2021) Aviation Safety and Security: Utilizing Technology to Prevent Aircraft Fatality, CRC Press
3. Stolzer ,A.(2016) Implementing safety management systems in aviation, Ashgate


Recommended texts:
Stephenson, K., Cusik, J., & Antonio, I. (2017). Commercial Aviation Safety. McGraw-Hill Education.


Ballesteros, J. (2007) Improving Air Safety Through Organisational Management. Ashgate.

Harris. D & H, Muir (2005) Contemporary Issues in Human Factors and Aviation Safety. Ashgate

Wells, T. (2010) Commercial aviation safety (4th Edition), Mc Graw-Hill

Duffey, R. (2008) Managing Risk: The Human Element. Wiley Blackwell

Garlick, A.R. (2007) Estimating Risk: A Management Approach. Gower