What Is and Isn’t a Finding?

Why Separating Non-Compliance from Observation Matters in Aviation Safety

In audits and inspections, clarity matters a lot.

Too often, we hear phrases like:

"It is my opinion that this is a finding." ("Mér finnst" frávik)

But in aviation safety and compliance, feelings are not the standard. Facts are.

A finding is not based on opinion, it's a deviation from a regulation, standard, or internal procedure. It must be objective, evidence-based, and traceable.

What is and isn't a finding?

✅ Example of a Valid Finding

Operations Manual - Part A, paragraph x.x.x states that an Integrity Check on the Weight and Balance System shall be performed every 6 months. This Integrity Check shall be documented and stored for at least 6 months. No documentation was found at the time of the audit.

Clear. Factual. Traceable. This is a non-conformity.

⚠️ What Isn't a Finding

Training certificates for staff XXXX and XXXX were not easy to find during the audit.

This might point to a process weakness, but unless it breaches a specific requirement, it is not a non-conformity.

This should be recorded as an observation, not a finding that requires corrective action.

🧭 Why It Matters

At Glacier Aviation Consulting, we believe in:

• Supporting a just culture

• Building audit integrity

• Enabling continuous improvement

Mislabeling opinions as non-conformities causes:

• Confusion

• Wasted resources

• Erosion of audit trust

Observations are valuable and welcome — but they are not regulatory breaches.

Takeaway

Encourage clarity in audit language:

• 🟥 Non-compliance = Objective breach of a requirement

• 🟦 Observation = Constructive input or improvement opportunity

Knowing the difference builds stronger systems — and better collaboration between auditors and front-line teams.

📌 Glacier Aviation Consulting – Bringing clarity to aviation safety.

Simple – Practical – Effective.