Therefore, its effectiveness is dependent upon timely accident reports and safety recommendations. However, the aviation subcommittee traditionally has the lead role on issues involving the agency, even though NTSB investigates many transportation accidents, including aviation, highway, marine, rail and pipeline. Structure NTSB is headed by five board members who are nominated by the President and confirmed by the Senate. Two members must be Democrats and two members must be Republican. The fifth member is from whichever party controls the White House.
All board members serve a five-year term.
The president designates, and the Senate confirms, one of the five members to serve as Chairman for a term of two years. Responsibilities NTSB investigates many transportation accidents including all fatal aviation accidents, and major railroad, highway and maritime accidents. After investigating an accident, NTSB determines the causes and issues a formal report. 12 months NTSB is statutorily required to make a cause determination on all aviation accidents. Although NTSB investigates all fatal aviation accidents, they often request FAA to investigate non-fatal aviation accidents.