When must an Irregular Operations Report (I.O.R) be submitted?

The Irregular Operations Report (I.O.R) must be submitted within 48 hours of the incident to ensure that all relevant information is captured while it is still fresh. This timeframe allows personnel to document the irregularities effectively and address any necessary follow-up actions accurately. The 48-hour window strikes a balance between prompt reporting and the time needed to gather complete and precise data regarding the incident.

Submitting the report after 48 hours could lead to missing crucial details or witness accounts, which can affect operational decisions and reviews. It is important for operational integrity and safety oversight that incidents are reported in a timely manner, hence the 48-hour stipulation. Options that suggest longer timeframes, such as 72 hours, would not be effective for preserving the quality of information, and the suggestion of reporting after the pilot’s next flight would delay important responses and analysis.