How Jet Linx is Enhancing Aviation Safety in the Workplace

Key Takeaways: 

• Aviation safety is enhanced by trends like being proactive and predictive and catering safety procedures to specific environmental conditions.
• Jet Linx uses safety management systems (SMS) and best practices for preventing pilot fatigue to strengthen aviation safety in its workplace.
• On Jun 10, 2025, Jet Linx held its ninth annual Safety Summit with conversations about centering and improving aviation safety.

In an era rampant with concern about how safe flying is, Aviation Pros spoke with RD Johnson, VP safety at Jet Linx, about the company’s efforts to enhance and highlight safety in aviation.

RD Johnson has extensive experience in aviation, having held roles like command pilot and instructor for the United States Air Force, pilot for American Airlines and, currently, instructor at the University of Southern California Aviation Safety and Security School and VP Safety at Jet Linx.

Johnson said, “Commitment to safety starts at the top. Our CEO and leadership team don’t just talk about safety, they actively invest in it. That means more money, more tools, better training and the right team to lead our safety programs.”

What are some key impacts on aviation safety?

Johnson touched on the trends that affect aviation safety and its effectiveness today, noting how the modernization of safety techniques helps enhance safety procedures in the industry.

He shared, “The most important trend is that safety is becoming more proactive and predictive. Instead of just responding to problems, Jet Linx uses advanced tools to predict and prevent them.”

Johnson also gave an example of how safety procedures in aviation should cater to specific and varying weather conditions, highlighting the unique safety concerns caused by the summer season.

He stated, “Summer brings more weather problems which cause most flight delays. Thunderstorms and convective weather are primary causes of delays in summer, contributing to approximately 75% of the delays in the National Air Space. Air traffic is also heavier, especially to popular vacation spots, which strains the air traffic system and can cause delays.”

Johnson added, “Hot weather can also affect aircraft performance, sometimes requiring lighter loads or fuel stops. And then it’s the human factor that affects us all. Longer and busier days can lead to pilot fatigue, which we actively monitor and manage.”

How does Jet Linx prioritize safety in aviation?

In terms of best practices for aviation safety at Jet Linx, Johnson highlighted the company’s use of SMS.

Johnson said, “With systems like FOQA, LOSA and ASAP, we can spot risks early and suggest improvements that balance safety, operations and revenue. Technologies that assist in early prevention and intervention greatly reduce risk.”

Offering more detail, Johnson explained that FOQA, LOSA and ASAP are Jet Linx’s safety management systems (SMS), essential to the company’s safety procedures. He also shared that the systems have the following functions:

• Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA): Jet Linx uses this system to capture, monitor and review flight data so pilots can find safer ways to fly.
• Line Operation Safety Audi (LOSA): This system involves using a GoPro camera in the cockpit to film and review pilot performance on a voluntary basis. It’s commonly used by major airlines but rarely by private operators.
• Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP): This is a voluntary safety reporting program common in the industry.

Johnson continued, “Other technologies that pilots use like ADS-B (Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast)—this is what aircraft use to broadcast their position to air traffic control and other aircraft in flight—and the modernization of cockpit communications are also helping us fly safer, even as air traffic grows.”

Johnson then elaborated on initiatives they take part in that focus specifically on fatigue as a way to prioritize pilot wellbeing and safety.

Johnson explained, “Jet Linx uses smart scheduling tools to track rest, reduce risk and give pilots more time off. Our team meets monthly to review fatigue reports and make improvements. Best of all, our pilots know they can speak up if they’re tired or have concerns.”

He added, “We also review every flight with real data, and our pilots will soon be able to review how safely they flew within minutes of landing. They will even be graded on their adherence to standard operating procedures, helping them stay sharp and confident.”

Highlights from Jet Linux’s 2025 Safety Summit

On Jun 10, 2025, Jet Linx held its ninth annual Safety Summit that involved grounding all flight operations so employees across the U.S. could take part in sessions and conversations about centering and enhancing aviation safety.

Johnson shared some highlights from the day, noting, “Leadership requires humility. One speaker reminded us that the best leaders are approachable, credible, and willing to listen.”

He continued, “Better communication matters. We’re adopting new briefing methods that encourage junior team members to speak up, because good ideas come from every seat.

One of the major themes of the Safety Summit and of Johnson’s discussion of safety practices at Jet Linx was inclusion.

Johnson said, “Our safety programs are more than technology and compliance; we are building a culture where safety is something everyone can see and touch. We include every team member in our safety communications, from pilots to accountants, and we always encourage everyone to speak up if they notice a concern.”