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| **FS-0234**  | **Contact: Joe Walsh,            |                    |
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# Forest Service Chief Names Blue Ribbon Panel on Aviation

 

**WASHINGTON, August 2, 2002 --** Forest Service Chief Dale Bosworth
announced today that Texas State Forester Jim Hull and former National
Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Chairman Jim Hall have agreed to
co-lead a Blue Ribbon Commission to look into all aspects of the
aviation program. The Department of Interior also contracts for aviation
resources and will co-sponsor the commission.

Coming on the heels of three fatal crashes \-- two commercial airtankers
and a helicopter contractor \-- Bosworth called for a thorough review of
safety management and the roles and responsibilities in the oversight of
contractor operations. He also tasked the commission to identify other
key factors impacting the safety and effectiveness of the overall
aviation firefighting effort. The commission will interview and consult
with interagency and state cooperators, as well as aviation industry
representatives.

"Safety remains our bottom line in any decision process. In addition, we
must also look into issues of sustainability and effectiveness in our
air operations," Bosworth said.

Kathleen Clarke, director of the Department of the Interior's Bureau of
Land Management, also endorses the review. "This study is critical to
ensure the safety of our firefighters and the public," Clarke said.

Hall served as chairman of the NTSB from 1994 to 2001, and also served
on the White House Commission on Aviation Safety and Security. During
his tenure as chairman, the NTSB investigated several public aircraft
mishaps that occurred during wildland firefighting.

"This comprehensive review of the interagency aviation program will
provide us valuable information to build additional safety measures into
our program," said Tony Kern, national aviation officer for the Forest
Service.

Bosworth asked the fact-finding panel to report back within 90 days so
the fall strategy sessions can act on the findings prior to the 2003
fire season.

 

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