> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.planeconnection.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# How to Submit a Safety Report

> Create and submit a safety report using the standard form, natural language mode, or confidential/anonymous submission.

By following this guide, you will submit a safety report using any of the available methods -- standard form, natural language, confidential, or anonymous -- and track it after submission.

<Info>
  **Who should read this:** Any workspace member (pilot, crew,
  maintenance, safety manager, admin). All roles can submit safety
  reports. No special permissions are required.

  **Prerequisites:** You must be signed in and have access to a
  workspace.
</Info>

## Choose Your Submission Method

PlaneConnection offers four ways to submit a report. Pick the one
that fits your situation.

| Mode                 | Best For                                                                                                 | Reporter Identity                             |
| -------------------- | -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- | --------------------------------------------- |
| **Standard form**    | Most reports. Structured fields guide you through each detail.                                           | Recorded and visible to safety manager.       |
| **Natural language** | Quick capture in the field. Describe the event in plain text and let AI extract the structured fields.   | Per selected mode (standard or confidential). |
| **Confidential**     | Sensitive reports. Your identity is AES-256-GCM encrypted and visible only to the accountable executive. | Encrypted; restricted access.                 |
| **Anonymous**        | Reports where retaliation is a concern. No identifying data is stored.                                   | Not recorded.                                 |

## Submit a Report Using the Standard Form

### Prerequisites

* Signed into your workspace
* Know which report type applies (see the table below or the
  [Report Types](/en/reference/report-types) reference)

| Type          |  Code | When to Use                                                  |
| ------------- | :---: | ------------------------------------------------------------ |
| Hazard        | `HAZ` | An unsafe condition that could contribute to an accident.    |
| Incident      | `INC` | An occurrence that affected or could have affected safety.   |
| Near-Miss     | `NMS` | An event that could have resulted in harm but did not.       |
| Concern       | `CON` | A systemic or organizational issue eroding safety over time. |
| Observation   | `OBS` | A factual safety-related observation from normal operations. |
| Audit Finding | `AUF` | A nonconformity found during an internal safety audit.       |

<Steps>
  ### Step 1: Open the new report form

  Navigate to **Safety > Reports** and create a new report. You can also press `N R` or use `Cmd+K` and select "New Safety Report."

  ### Step 2: Select the report type and category

  Choose the appropriate report type and category. For type definitions, see [Report Types](/en/reference/report-types).

  ### Step 3: Enter the report title

  Provide a clear, concise title (10--200 characters) that summarizes the event or condition.

  ### Step 4: Write the description

  Describe what happened (50--10,000 characters). Include what occurred, when, where, who was involved, and environmental conditions. You can use voice input to dictate.

  <Tip>Structure your narrative so investigators can quickly parse the key facts.</Tip>

  ### Step 5: Assess initial risk (optional)

  If you are comfortable making an initial assessment, select severity and likelihood levels. The risk matrix displays the resulting risk index.

  ### Step 6: Add location and aircraft details (optional)

  Enter the airport code and aircraft tail number if applicable.

  ### Step 7: Attach evidence (optional)

  Attach photos, documents, audio recordings, or data files.

  ### Step 8: Choose your reporting mode

  Select **Standard**, **Confidential**, or **Anonymous**.

  <Warning>
    Anonymous reports cannot be followed up with the reporter. If additional details may be needed
    during investigation, use **Confidential** instead.
  </Warning>

  ### Step 9: Review and submit

  Review all entered information and submit the report. You receive a tracking code, QR code, and email confirmation.
</Steps>

## Submit Using Natural Language Mode

Natural language mode lets you describe a safety event in your own words and have AI extract the structured fields. For the complete natural language workflow, see [Natural Language Reports](/en/how-to/sms/submit-natural-language-report).

<Steps>
  ### Step 1: Switch to Natural Language mode

  From the new report form, switch to Natural Language mode.

  ### Step 2: Describe what happened

  Type or dictate a narrative of at least 20 characters. Include dates, airport codes, tail numbers, and severity indicators for more accurate extraction.

  ### Step 3: Analyze and review

  Submit for analysis, then review the extracted fields and correct any misidentified values.

  ### Step 4: Confirm and continue

  Confirm to transfer the extracted data into the standard report form for final adjustments and submission.
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Natural language mode is especially useful in the field when you want to capture details quickly
  and refine the structured data later. Use voice input for hands-free dictation.
</Tip>

<Warning>
  **AI suggestions are advisory only.** Per 14 CFR Part 5, all safety assessments, investigation
  findings, and risk evaluations require independent human evaluation by qualified personnel. AI
  recommendations should be used as one factor among many in decision-making, not as the sole basis
  for any safety, operational, or maintenance action. See [Legal
  Notices](/en/reference/legal-notices#ai-and-automated-features-disclaimer).
</Warning>

## Track Your Report After Submission

After submitting, you can check the status of your report at any
time:

* **From the Reports list:** Navigate to **Safety > Reports** and
  find your report by title, report number, or status filter.
* **Using the tracking code:** Go to **Reports > Track** and enter
  your `RPT-YYYY-NNNNN` code. This works without logging in,
  which is useful for anonymous reporters.
* **QR code:** Scan the QR code generated at submission to jump
  directly to the tracking page.

## Auto-Save and Offline Support

* **Auto-save:** Drafts are saved automatically every 60 seconds.
  If you navigate away before submitting, your draft is preserved
  in the Reports list.
* **Offline mode:** If you lose connectivity, PlaneConnection
  queues your submission locally and syncs when the network
  returns. An offline indicator appears in the form to confirm
  this behavior.

## Related

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Report Types" href="/reference/report-types">
    Definitions, workflows, and submission modes for all six report types.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Report Statuses" href="/reference/report-statuses">
    Lifecycle statuses and transition rules for safety reports.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Manage Investigations" href="/how-to/sms/manage-investigations">
    What happens after a report triggers an investigation.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Conduct a Risk Assessment" href="/how-to/sms/conduct-risk-assessment">
    Detailed risk analysis beyond the initial assessment on a report.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>