ASAP Program
HOW CAN MY ASAP REPORT BE EXCLUDED? HAVE YOU HEARD OF THE BIG FIVE?
Reports of events that appear in the “BIG FIVE” and involve actions that are knowingly and intently. Once a report is filled out with the following events, they shall be referred to the appropriate FAA office or the company for further handling.
1. Criminal Activity
2. Substance Abuse
3. Controlled Substance
4. Alcohol
5. Intentional Falsification of Events
If you are struggling with substance abuse, controlled substances, and/or Alcohol, we have resources to help. Please contact TWU Local 579.
HOW CAN I FILE A REPORT?
STEP 1: Go to the JEMS Application on your JetBlue issued Ipad or AQD Application on your Jetblue Ipad.
STEP 2: Select ASAP – Inflight.
STEP 3: Ensure the report is completed with as much detail as possible. Friendly reminder. All reports * should contain accurate and factual information, as they may be used in a court of law. Please refrain from copying and pasting reports.
STEP 4: Submit. You will receive an email confirmation that your report has been submitted. Take a screenshot of your confirmation and store it for your records. If you did not receive an automatic email, your report may be in your drafts. Please attempt to send again.
* Submit as soon as practical following the duty day/shift of event occurrence or as soon as practical from becoming aware of the event, absent extraordinary circumstances.
WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN AN ASAP , IIR and SAR?
Aviation Safety Action Report (ASAP) Is a VOLUNTARY and CONFIDENTIAL Report that should be submitted when a Flight Attendant makes an error while on duty that potentially violates a safety regulation, or when they unwittingly create a general safety concern. Reports must be filed within a timely manner.
Inflight Irregularity Report (IIR) is a MANDATORY legal document, and as such must be filled out when encountering irregular incidents with customers or discrepancies onboard the aircraft. ALL Flight Attendants must fill out an IIR if operating regardless of involvement. If there is no involvement, IIR should state, “ I was not involved.” Report must be filed 12 hours from the incident. Reports must be individually written and not copy/paste from the involved crew.
Safety Action Report (SAR) is a VOLUNTARY and confidential report by which any JetBlue Crewmember can report a safety issue directly to the Safety Department. No submission timeframe.
For further information you may refer to your FAM. Under General Policies and Procedures-Inflight Reporting. Article 17.16
IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. SAFETY IS JetBlue’s #1 Value.
JetBlue’s “Just Culture” Commitment philosophy supports learning from unsafe acts to improve safety awareness through the improved recognition of operational risk and sharing of safety information.
NO DISCIPLINARY ACTION
What does this mean? If the Event Review Committee accepts the IFC’s ASAP Report sole-source or non-sole source, the Company shall not rely on the subject event to initiate or impose any disciplinary action provided the report meets Acceptance Policy criteria and is not subsequently excluded (LOA 1.a)
If there is an ongoing investigation into an event involving and IFC(s), and the IFC(s) and/or the TWU provide written notice to the Company of a pending ASAP report related to the event, the timelines in CBA Article 20 will be paused and will resume when the Event Review Committee’s decisions regards the ASAP report has been returned to the Company, IFC(s), and the TWU.
THE ASAP PROCESS
- ASAP Submission – Submission Confirmation E-Mail
- IFC receives outcome and/or action items from ERC
- When applicable IFC completes ERC recommendations
- Monthly ASAP ERC Meeting to review reports
- ERC closes ASAP Report
For further information on the ASAP Program refer to FAM Chapter 17
MYTH BUSTERS
Are Flight Attendants Required to submit ASAP reports?
NO– Participation in the program is 100% voluntary. However, TWU Local 579 finds it in the best interest of the Flight Attendant(s) to submit a report within a timely manner to receive the proper protections afforded by the new ASAP Program.
Does the ASAP take the place of an IIR?
NO- The ASAP Report and IIR could both be applicable in an event.
Can the Company call me in for an Investigatory/Performance meeting when an ASAP Report is filed?
YES- ONLY if the “BIG FIVE” has been submitted. However, you may be contacted for a safety debrief, which will be added to your ASAP if submitted.
Are all ASAP Submissions treated the same?
NO- ASAP Reports containing potentially moderate or severe risk are reviewed immediately.
The following types of ASAP Reports are explained below:
Additional escalation: No immediate threat of life, regulatory compliance or damage to property.
Immediate Notification to Safety Leadership: Moderate foreseeable threat to life, regulatory compliance or damage to property.Immediate Action Required: Realistic and imminent threat to life, regulatory compliance or damage to property.
LET’S BREAK DOWN THE ASAP REPORTING SYSTEM FURTHER.
The ASAP Report is a voluntary report that should be submitted when an Inflight Crewmember makes an error while on duty that potentially violates a safety regulation or when they unwittingly create a general safety concern.
ASAP Reports may not be filed in place of any required Inflight Irregularity Report (IIR).
The identity of the Inflight Crewmember submitting the ASAP Report is only disclosed outside of the Event Review Committee (ERC) with consent of the crewmember and in coordination with the ERC.
Any event that is not safety-related or demonstrates an intentional disregard for safety, including criminal activity, substance abuse, use of controlled substance/alcohol, and falsification of events( known as the BIG FIVE), will be excluded from the ASAP program and is not considered confidential reporting.
EXAMPLES:
Unintentionally or unknowingly compromising JetBlue Safety Value
Potential safety issue that arises from a self-induced error while on duty.
Errors that potentially violate Jetblue operational or regulatory practice or policy.
Creating potentially unsafe conditions in a JetBlue environment and/or with JetBlue equipment.
Fumes
What is a fume event?
A fume event also known as a Cabin Air Quality Event (CAQE) refers to the presence of unusual or contaminated air—typically involving odors, smoke, haze, or chemical fumes inside the cabin or cockpit. These events can range from mild to severe and often stem from issues with the aircraft’s bleed air system, which supplies pressurized air from the engines or the Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) for ventilation, heating, and air conditioning.
Common Sources of Fume Events:
Oil leaks in the engine or APU that allow heated oil vapors to enter the bleed air system
Hydraulic fluid or de-icing fluid contamination
Electrical faults or overheating components
Cabin or galley equipment malfunctions (e.g., ovens, coffee makers)
Characteristics of a Fume Event:
Smells: Often described as “dirty socks,” “wet dog,” “burning oil,” “smoke,” or “chemical.”
Symptoms reported by crew or passengers may include:
Headache
Dizziness
Nausea
Eye, nose, or throat irritation
Breathing difficulty
Cognitive impairment in more serious cases
Why It Matters:
- Fume events may impact flight safety, especially if flight crew become impaired or distracted.
- Consistent documentation and reporting of fume events help identify mechanical issues and improve cabin air quality protocols.
- Regulatory agencies (like the FAA and EASA) encourage reporting of these events through safety programs, such as ASAP or internal reporting systems, to ensure appropriate investigation and follow-up.
If you’re a crewmember and suspect a fume event, it’s essential to:
Seek medical attention if symptoms arise
Document the incident immediately
Report through the appropriate channels (e.g., IIR, ASAP)
Fatigue
What is Fatigue?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) defines fatigue as follows:
“A physiological state of reduced mental or physical performance capability resulting from sleep loss or extended wakefulness, circadian phase, or workload (mental and/or physical activity) that can impair a crewmember’s alertness and ability to safely operate an aircraft or perform safety-related duties.”
— FAA Advisory Circular 120-103A
Why is it important to recognize Fatigue?
Fatigue is considered a safety hazard.
Recognizing and reporting fatigue is encouraged—it is not a sign of weakness or unprofessionalism. Crewmembers are expected to self-assess and remove themselves from duty if they are too fatigued to perform safely.
Airlines are required to have Fatigue Risk Management Systems (FRMP located in Comply 365) and a fatigue program for Flight Attendants and Pilots.
Did you know being awake for 17 hours straight is like having a BAC (blood alcohol content) of 0.05% and being awake for 24 hours is like having a BAC of 0.10%. Several studies have shown similarities between fatigue-related impairment in cognitive and physiological functioning, when compared to impairments due to alcohol intoxication. According to a study done by the University of New South Wales, in Sydney, Australia, “moderate sleep deprivation produces impairments in cognitive and motor performance equivalent to legally prescribed levels of alcohol intoxication.”
Check out the studies in the following link: Fatigue and Alcohol Study
Symptoms of Fatigue
Cognitive Symptoms:
• Difficulty concentrating or focusing
• Slower reaction time
• Forgetfulness or short-term memory lapses
• Poor decision-making or judgment • “Zoning out” or feeling mentally foggy
Physical Symptoms:
Persistent tiredness or lack of energy
• Muscle weakness or heaviness
• Headaches
• Nausea or upset stomach
• Changes in appetite
• Reduced coordination or clumsiness
Emotional Symptoms:
Irritability or mood swings
• Low motivation or disengagement
• Increased sensitivity to stress • Feeling overwhelmed or mentally drained
Behavioral Signs:
Microsleeps (brief, involuntary sleep episodes)
• Missed safety steps or checklist items • Difficulty staying alert during critical phases of flight (boarding, taxi, descent)
Increased reliance on caffeine or stimulants
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How to file a fatigue report?
A fatigue report must be submitted 24 hours after the end of your trip using the JEMS app on your company issued iPad. Once your report is submitted you will receive an email confirmation.
-If your report is stuck in the Outbox:
1. Copy your narrative and save it (e.g., paste it into Notes or email it to yourself) to avoid losing any information.
2. Delete the JEMS app from your device.
3. Go to the App Catalog and reinstall the JEMS app.
4. Open the app and resubmit your report.
This usually resolves submission issues. If problems continue, contact IT for support.
What FAA Says About Fatigue Rights: Circular 120-103a
