NTSB Recommendations and Accomplishments

Unacceptable response Reduce Dangers to Aircraft Flying in Icing Conditions Action Needed by The Federal Aviation Administration Use current research on freezing rain and large water droplets to revise the way aircraft are designed and approved for flight in icing conditions. Conduct additional research with NASA to identify realistic ice accumulations and incorporate new information into aircraft certification and pilot training requirements. Acceptable response Flammable Fuel/Air Vapors in Fuel Tanks on Transport Category Aircraft Action Needed by The Federal Aviation Administration, progressing slowly Eliminate Implement design changes to eliminate the vulnerabilities of flammable fuel/air vapors in all transport category aircraft. Unacceptable response Improve Runway Safety Action Needed by The Federal Aviation Administration Give immediate warnings of probable collisions/incursions directly to flight crews in the cockpit. Require specific air traffic control clearance for each runway crossing. Require landing distance assessment with an adequate safety margin for every landing. Unacceptable response Improve Audio and Data Recorders/Require Video Recorders Action Needed by The Federal Aviation Administration Require cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) to retain at least 2 hours of audio. Require back-up power sources so cockpit voice recorders collect an extra 10 minutes of data when an aircraft’s main power fails. Inspect and maintain data recorders yearly to make sure they operate properly. Install video recorders in cockpits to give investigators more information to solve complex accidents. Unacceptable response Reduce Accidents and Incidents Caused by Human Fatigue Action Needed by The Federal Aviation Administration Set working hour limits for flight crews, aviation mechanics, and air traffic controllers based on fatigue research, circadian rhythms, and sleep and rest requirements. Develop a fatigue awareness and countermeasures program for air traffic controllers. Unacceptable response Improve Crew Resource Management Action Needed by The Federal Aviation Administration Require that Part 135 flight crews receive crew resource management (CRM) training.