Sumwalt Looks at Safety Leadership
Safety leader offers food for thought about how to remain safety focused.
NTSB board member Robert Sumwalt warned business aviation operators not to rest on their laurels when it comes to safety.
NTSB board member Robert Sumwalt warned business aviation operators not to rest on their laurels when it comes to safety.

Business aviation’s strong accident record is no reason for operators to rest on their laurels, NTSB member Robert Sumwalt reminded attendees at the recent FSF business aviation safety summit (BASS). Sumwalt, former manager of aviation for Scana and a retired US Airways pilot, is a man obsessed with the pursuit of improving aviation safety. He reminded the audience that leadership is about influencing others. “Your job as leaders in business aviation is to make sure accidents don’t happen on your watch. You must also be constantly trying to improve. You need a leadership obsession.”