What is the primary difference between a LOSA and a line check?

The primary difference between a Loss of Situation Awareness (LOSA) and a line check lies in their purposes and implications for the pilots being evaluated. A line check is a formal evaluation done under the supervision of management, where a pilot's performance is assessed in a real-world operational setting. This evaluation typically has significant implications for the pilot's employment status, as it assesses their ability to meet the organization's performance standards and may influence their continued employment.

In contrast, a LOSA is designed to be a non-jeopardy observation that focuses on understanding how pilots operate within the requirements of the system, rather than assessing individual pilots for punitive or evaluative reasons. It provides important insights into operational safety and human factors without threatening the pilots with adverse employment actions based on their performance during the observation. This difference fosters an open environment where pilots feel free to engage in self-assessment and improve safety practices without the fear of repercussions on their employment.

The focus of LOSA is on collecting data to enhance overall safety and operational effectiveness, while line checks concentrate on individual pilot performance with potential implications for certifications and job status. This distinction makes the nature and intent of these assessments fundamentally different within aviation safety and training contexts.