What is the purpose of an after-action review (AAR) in aviation?

The purpose of an after-action review (AAR) in aviation is to analyze outcomes to improve future performance and safety. AARs are structured evaluations conducted after an operation or mission to assess what happened, why it happened, and how similar actions can be improved in the future. This process encourages a thorough examination of both successes and shortcomings, promoting a culture of learning and continuous improvement among the aircrew.

The focus of an AAR is not on personal opinions or subjective interpretations of events; rather, it emphasizes factual analysis and constructive feedback. Participants engage in discussions that highlight specific actions taken during the mission, their results, and lessons learned that can enhance future performance and ensure safety measures are adhered to. Through this collaborative approach, the overall capability of the team and individual members is often strengthened for subsequent missions.