NTSB Urges FAA to Address Over 5,000 Safety Recommendations

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairwoman Jennifer Homendy revealed that the board has issued over 5,000 safety recommendations to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), most of which remain unaddressed. Speaking at the Regional Airlines Association Conference, Homendy emphasized that only about 20% of these recommendations have been acted on, either in an open or closed status.

One of the key recommendations still pending is the installation of direct pilot alerting technology to prevent runway collisions or incorrect runway usage. Despite several near-miss incidents in the U.S., the FAA has not acted on this critical safety measure, which remains one of the NTSB’s oldest proposals.

Homendy stressed the importance of continued pressure on the FAA to implement the NTSB’s recommendations, although voluntary implementation by operators and associations has seen more success.

The NTSB is also pushing for cockpit video recorders to be installed on older aircraft, in addition to new planes. While the FAA has proposed video recording capabilities for new aircraft, retrofitting older planes could take up to six years. Homendy emphasized the value of this technology not only for investigations but also for operators to improve safety practices.

While the NTSB retired its “Most Wanted” safety improvements list last year, the board remains focused on critical investigations, including the recent Alaska Airlines flight 1282 incident. Homendy reiterated the importance of collaboration with key industry players like Boeing to enhance global aviation safety.

Related news: https://airguide.info/category/air-travel-business/safety/

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, simpleflying.com