And, a Canadian investigation into a MD-11 accident resulted in a change to the certification standards for thermal insulation blankets. Another means to enhance our ability to fulfill our obligations is to develop bilateral and multi-lateral cooperative agreements to ensure that investigations in all countries, including developing ones, are conducted in a thorough and objective manner. For example, many states may not have the resources to fully staff and fund an independent investigation authority, especially in view of the rarity of such events. In such cases, the states should develop agreements with other states that can provide the necessary expertise to assist with the investigations. I understand that as the result of decisions reached at the September 1999 AIG99 meeting in Montreal, ICAO is in the process of developing model agreements for countries to use in order to meet their treaty obligations to conduct investigations of accidents and serious incidents.
Many states have formal agreements for aircraft certification and safety oversight.
I believe that investigation authorities need to do the same. The NTSB, as well as the investigation authorities from other countries, including Australia, France, the United Kingdom, is in the process of developing such agreements with several states. The Global Aviation Safety Action Plan and the Safety Oversight Program being implemented by ICAO are impressive and positive steps toward improving airline safety on a worldwide basis. Bilateral and regional partnerships and cooperative action plans are being put in place around the world to ensure adequate communication of safety information and timely notifications and reporting of accidents and incidents. Let me illustrate why I believe such cooperation is essential.