If you are forced to make an emergency landing at the airports you regularly fly in and out of, how ready are they to deal with fire-and-rescue operations? Is the airport where you hangar your aircraft or run your FBO ready for an emergency?
These questions arise out the work I’ve been doing lately at smaller airports around the country. Part of my work in emergency planning is reviewing airport plans and drills for emergencies. I’ve overseen or participated in formulating plans and emergency drills for major air carrier airports, for smaller air-taxi airports and for general aviation airports. Of course, the level of planning and preparation varies by the size and complexity of the airport. And FAA regulations apply to only certain airports, generally those with scheduled passenger-carrying operations of an air carrier operating aircraft of more than nine seats and unscheduled passenger-carrying operations of an air carrier operating aircraft of at least 31 passenger seats.
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
