Bombardier's Safety Standdown: Shifting Aviation Focus to Proactive Accountability

Wichita, KS – November 7, 2025 – Bombardier is set to host its annual Safety Standdown seminar in Wichita, Kansas, November 11-13, bringing together aviation professionals from across the industry. This year’s event, themed “Own the Outcome,” signals a growing industry-wide shift towards proactive safety culture and individual accountability – moving beyond reactive incident investigation to empower professionals to prevent errors.

For nearly three decades, the Safety Standdown has been a cornerstone of aviation safety training. Unlike many manufacturer-led programs focusing solely on their own fleet, Bombardier offers this seminar free of charge to a broad range of professionals – pilots, maintenance crews, dispatchers, and management – regardless of aircraft type. This commitment, industry analysts say, isn’t merely philanthropic; it's a strategic investment in building trust and elevating the entire industry’s safety standards.

“The free access is really a differentiator,” explains one industry observer. “Many training opportunities are expensive and geared toward specific skillsets. Bombardier's willingness to open its doors to anyone committed to safety speaks volumes about their commitment.”

From Reactive to Proactive: A Paradigm Shift

The “Own the Outcome” theme reflects a broader evolution in aviation safety thinking. Traditionally, investigations focused on what went wrong, identifying mechanical failures or procedural errors after an incident occurred. The emphasis is now shifting to why things go wrong, examining the human factors – cognitive biases, communication breakdowns, and organizational culture – that contribute to errors.

“We’re moving away from a ‘blame game’ and towards a culture of learning,” says one aviation safety expert. “If we can empower individuals to take ownership of safety, identify potential hazards, and speak up without fear of reprisal, we can significantly reduce the risk of incidents.”

This transition aligns with the FAA’s Safety Management System (SMS), which emphasizes proactive hazard identification and risk mitigation. However, implementing a truly proactive safety culture requires more than just new procedures and regulations. It requires a fundamental shift in mindset.

Human Factors: The Core of 'Own the Outcome'

The seminar’s focus on individual accountability stems from a growing understanding of human performance in complex systems. Experts argue that most aviation accidents are not caused by a single catastrophic failure, but by a chain of seemingly minor errors. Addressing these errors requires a deep understanding of cognitive biases, decision-making under pressure, and the influence of organizational culture.

“We all have blind spots,” explains a flight instructor. “Recognizing those blind spots, and having systems in place to mitigate their impact, is crucial. It’s about creating an environment where people feel comfortable speaking up, questioning assumptions, and challenging the status quo.”

Keynote speaker Dr. Tony Kern, CEO of Convergent Performance and a leading expert in human factors, is expected to delve into these concepts at the seminar. Sources familiar with his work describe him as a vocal advocate for empowering individuals to take ownership of safety and fostering a culture of psychological safety.

Bombardier’s Strategic Investment

While the benefits of a safer aviation industry are universal, Bombardier’s commitment to the Safety Standdown also aligns with its business objectives. By positioning itself as a leader in safety innovation, the company strengthens its brand reputation, builds trust with customers, and attracts top talent.

“It’s a smart marketing move,” says one industry analyst. “Safety is paramount in aviation. By investing in training and promoting a culture of safety, Bombardier differentiates itself from its competitors.”

Competitor training programs, while often comprehensive, frequently come with a significant price tag and are often targeted towards customers operating their specific aircraft. The free and inclusive nature of the Safety Standdown broadens its reach and impact, fostering a more collaborative approach to safety across the entire industry.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Aviation Safety

The “Own the Outcome” theme represents a significant step forward in aviation safety thinking. By focusing on human factors, individual accountability, and proactive hazard identification, the industry is moving towards a more resilient and sustainable safety model.

Whether this approach will lead to a measurable reduction in incidents remains to be seen. However, the growing momentum behind proactive safety culture suggests that the industry is finally embracing a more holistic and human-centered approach to risk management.

As one attendee put it, “This isn’t just about preventing accidents; it’s about creating a safer and more fulfilling work environment for everyone involved in aviation.”

The Safety Standdown seminar, with its commitment to inclusivity, innovation, and proactive safety culture, is poised to play a critical role in shaping the future of aviation safety for years to come.