The central objective of Occurrence Reporting in aviation is to elevate safety standards by actively gathering reports related to actual or potential safety deficiencies. These deficiencies may not be reported through traditional channels or may initially seem minor. However, they offer valuable insights that enable others to learn from the reporter's experience, potentially leading to significant improvements in aviation procedures, practices, or design.

Reports within the Occurrence Reporting System may cover a range of issues, including incidents, hazards, or threats that have implications for aviation safety. The focus of this reporting system extends across various domains, emphasizing systems, human factors, procedures, facilities, services, and equipment rather than placing undue emphasis on individual blame.

By concentrating on these broader categories, the Occurrence Reporting System aims to uncover underlying issues that could impact safety across the aviation industry. This approach fosters a culture of continuous improvement and shared learning, where experiences are shared openly, and the industry benefits from the collective knowledge gained through reported occurrences.