I don’t normally write about accidents outside aviation, but there are times that we can learn from events in other transportation modes. Certainly some of the big issues today–fatigue and use of PDAs–cross transportation modes. So while we have a low accident rate in aviation, we can study other transportation accidents to see what lessons there may be for us.
Not too long ago, I wrote about the lessons we could learn in the aviation industry from the faulty GM ignition switch debacle. An internal report prepared for General Motors highlighted problems that we in aviation would be well advised to take note of. (See “Guarding against a culture of complacency,” AIN, August 2014, page 61.) GM is facing civil liability lawsuits and civil penalties, and there are media reports that the U.S. Attorney in Manhattan is preparing criminal charges against GM and possibly some of its former employees–all the more reason to pay attention to GM’s internal report, especially in light of the NASA reports from mechanics indicating management pressure to push maintenance and even falsify maintenance entries. As you all know, falsification of maintenance records is a crime, and one of these days–hopefully before an accident–a U.S. Attorney is going to start looking at the allegations mechanics are making at some major airlines.
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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