What does the DoD HFACS flip-book primarily describe and how is it used?

• A. An online data collection app
• B. A portable reference for leaders and mishap investigators describing the HFACS taxonomy from broad category to nano-codes to aid in determining root causes and reporting during investigations.
• C. An manual for incident response
• D. A guide for flight safety

Answer: (B)

The main idea is that the DoD HFACS flip-book is a portable reference describing the HFACS taxonomy in a practical, on-the-ground format and showing how to apply it during investigations. It’s designed for leaders and mishap investigators to navigate from broad categories down to detailed nano-codes, so they can consistently map what contributed to an incident. This standardized coding helps uncover root causes and produces clear, structured reports that communicate findings effectively. It isn’t an online data-collection tool, a general incident-response manual, or merely a flight-safety guide—the flip-book’s primary purpose is to guide investigators in identifying and documenting the specific factors behind an event.