I recently wrote about the importance of remembering the lessons of ValuJet so we are not doomed to repeat the same mistakes. The lessons involved ensuring that low-cost airlines have adequate infrastructure to support growth, fleet mix and oversight of outsourced maintenance. Specifically, those lessons center on complex oversight issues of airline operations and management of outside contractors. After all, determining adequate airline infrastructure to oversee growth and expansion, as well as contract maintenance providers, is not an exact science and often depends on proper auditing to spot indicators before they grow and become big problems.
While that article looked at big-picture issues that can affect the safety of flight, sometimes with devastating consequences, this month I got to thinking about how even the tiniest items can have significant safety implications. Once again, my topic is inspired by my thoughts around the anniversary of a tragic accident that occurred while I was a member of the NTSB. It also coincides with a recent Safety Alert about minimizing the opportunity for FOD (see below). So this month, my focus is on the smaller, more tangible problem of foreign object debris. Not a glamorous aviation subject, for sure. But, as we know, a deadly serious one.
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.
More In Safety
