On first glance, they are opposed in their goals. A true safety culture requires a dedication to reporting and identifying issues in the system. Proximity Events look like just another way to muddy the waters. I get that. However, I think there is more to the story than what those thoughts capture.

One of the underlying tenants of a safety culture is that people have to be unafraid to report issues. They have to be able to report without fear of reprisal and with the knowledge that the focus will be on mitigating the risk going forward and not on assigning the blame looking back. Are we there yet? I think it is safe to say, no. Are we on the way? I truly believe we are.

Follow up:

Now, how about those pesky PEs? First, a clarification…proximity events are not determined by distance but instead by control. While there is a minimum distance that must be maintained for an event to potentially be classified as a PE, the ultimate determination is based on the control of the event. Anyone with experience in ATC will tell you that true the true safety of a situation is determined by the control being exercised and not by the actual distance between aircraft. We have a standard separation of 5 miles laterally/longitudinally or 1,000 feet vertically in the Enroute environment. However, we have rules that allow us to go under those numbers based on additional information – visual separation, tail-to-tail, etc. We are able to use those “exemptions” by the fact that control exists in the situation.

Proximity events came into being in an effort to allow controllers to “hone the knife edge” without fear of reprisal. In other words, they are an example of a safety culture in action. Ask yourself the simple question of which is safer….two aircraft under direct instructions that pass at 4.8 miles or two that pass at 5.2 miles without anyone noticing? Those who have worked traffic know the answer as it is common talk in the break rooms. And as a manager, I can tell you which one would have more of my attention! In fact, I would go so far to say (reader beware: personal opinion coming!) that one was an "error" and one was not...and it isn't the way we have historically classified them.

So while a true safety culture is still a goal and not yet a full reality, we are on the path. The era of blame, blame, blame is done. While not perfect, I will take a system that encourages and recognizes the value of the controllers’ work any day of the week. As a footnote, while this example is certainly ATC-centric, understand that every employee of the ATO (and the FAA) has a responsibility and the capability to contribute to a true safety culture.

Thanks to all for the work done everyday - it is only through your efforts that the flying public enjoys the benefits of aviation.