Program Overview

Aviation Safety Investigation Course

The five-day online Aviation Safety Investigation course provides an introduction to the key skills required to undertake investigations within the aviation sector. With over 40 years of experience in training safety investigators, Cranfield University offers a hybrid course that combines online and face-to-face delivery in Cranfield, UK.

Course Overview

The course is designed for those working within the safety function of airlines, airports, ground handling providers, manufacturers, regulators, air navigation service providers, or professional associations/unions. It covers the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required in conducting safety investigations, including a simulated serious incident investigation.

Course Structure

The course accommodates an international audience and provides participants with the flexibility of attending online or face-to-face. Live teaching typically starts from 09:00 UTC and finishes after 7.5 hours on average, with regular breaks between lectures or activities, and for lunch. The course offers a balance between traditional presentations and practical exercises and group work during the simulated investigation.

What You Will Learn

On successful completion of this module, a student should be able to:

• Describe the accident investigation process in the aviation industry
• Identify roles and responsibilities within the accident investigation process
• Critically assess analysis techniques used in accident investigation
• Evaluate common causal factors
• Undertake an investigative interview using the PEACE model
• Collect and analyse human factors evidence
• Make effective recommendations

Core Content

Module topics include:

• Accident investigation approaches and response
• On-site appraisal, including an overview of hazard and risk management
• Evidence identification and collection
• Human factors in investigations
• Witnesses and interviewing
• Investigation analysis
• Organisational influence on accident causation
• Preparing and managing recommendations
• Writing investigation reports

Course Details

• Dates: 02 - 06 Mar 2026, 23 - 27 Nov 2026
• Duration: 1 week
• Location: Online and Cranfield campus
• Cost: Ł2,130 (concessions available)

Concessions

A group discount of 10% will apply to the invoice for the course tuition fee where three delegates or more are booking from within one organisation.

Speakers

The course is led by Marc St-Laurent, Lecturer in Air Safety Investigation, and facilitated by presenters with experience in conducting investigations, providing technical expertise to investigations, and academic staff with experience across a range of areas vital to the process of accident investigation.