Every year the National Transportation Safety Board issues its list of Most Wanted safety improvements. The list is a way of highlighting to various aviation stakeholders–the FAA, airlines, flight schools, manufacturers and, of course, the pilot community–safety problems the Board identified in its accident investigations. The list is a way both to focus attention on these safety issues and to offer potential solutions to the aviation community. The 2015 Most Wanted List covers all modes of transportation under the NTSB’s jurisdiction, not just aviation. But a number of areas do apply to aviation, with one applying to general aviation specifically. For anyone who flies, it’s worth considering these safety recommendations. And they are just recommendations because the NTSB is not a regulatory agency. It doesn’t make the rules. But its analysis of transportation accident data draws on significant and broad expertise. So, if you’re a GA pilot, here’s an opportunity to learn what the NTSB thinks you could do to fly more safely. It’s your decision, but at least take the time to read what the Board’s experts think.
The issues applicable to aviation include: disconnect from deadly distractions, enhance public helicopter safety, end substance impairment in transportation, require medical fitness for duty and strengthen procedural compliance. For example, the NTSB calls on all modes of transportation to disconnect from electronic devices–including cellphones–that are not “mission critical,” avoid over-the-counter drugs that can impair performance and recognize medical issues that could threaten safety of flight. The NTSB has found that pilots are “increasingly testing positive for over-the-counter sedating medications.” These could be medications that pilots take without fully reading the warning labels or that they may take routinely for, say, allergies without realizing that they have sedating effects.
With more than 40 years experience in the aviation industry, The Honorable John Goglia, was the first and only Airframe and Powerplant mechanic to receive a presidential appointment to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). He served from August 1995 to June 2004.
As a Board Member, Mr. Goglia distinguished himself in numerous areas of transportation safety. In particular, he was instrumental in raising awareness of airport safety issues, including the importance of airport crash fire and rescue operations and the dangers of wildlife at airports. He played a key role in focusing international attention on the increasing significance of aircraft maintenance in aviation accidents. He pressed, successfully, for greater integration of civilian and military safety information, becoming a featured speaker at national aviation symposiums attended by military leaders and major defense contractors. He is a leading proponent of airplane child safety seats.
Prior to becoming a Board Member, Mr. Goglia held numerous positions in the airline industry. He started as a mechanic for United Airlines and eventually joined Allegheny, which became USAir. Additionally, he was involved for more than 20 years as a union flight safety representative on accident investigation teams. There, he developed a safety program for his union, the International Association of Machinists, and was its representative for NTSB investigations. For twelve years, he operated his own aircraft service company.
Numerous prestigious groups have recognized Mr. Goglia’s contributions to aviation safety. Aviation Week & Space Technology awarded him a coveted 2004 Laurel for his outstanding service as an NTSB Board member. The Society of Automotive Engineers presented him with the Aerospace Chair Award for outstanding leadership in 2003 and the Marvin Whitlock Award for outstanding management accomplishment in 2002.
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