Source: https://www.ntsb.gov/safety/safety-recs/_layouts/ntsb.recsearch/Recommendation.aspx?Rec=A-18-013
Timestamp: 2019-09-16 01:20:02
Document Index: 411686773

Matched Legal Cases: ['art 135', 'art 135', 'art 135', 'art 135', 'art 135', 'art 135']

Safety Recommendation A-18-013
Recommendation: TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Although controlled flight into terrain (CFIT)-avoidance training programs are not required by federal regulation for Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 135 fixed-wing operations, work with Part 135 operators in Alaska to improve any voluntarily implemented training programs aimed at reducing the risk of CFIT accidents involving continuation of flight under visual flight rules (VFR) into instrument meteorological conditions, with special attention paid to the human factors issues identified in recent Alaska accident investigations, including, but not limited to, (1) the challenges of flying in mountainous terrain in Alaska and low-altitude VFR flight in an area subject to rapid changes in weather; and (2) limitations of the Alaska infrastructure, particularly weather observations, communications, and navigation aids.
Response: We note that a team of FAA aviation safety inspectors is working with the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) on the CFIT workgroup to improve voluntary training programs aimed at reducing the risk of CFIT accidents. As part of this effort, the workgroup plans to focus on the human factors issues identified in previous accident investigations in Alaska. Please periodically update us regarding the workgroup’s progress. Pending completion of the recommended action, Safety Recommendation A-18-13 is classified OPEN--ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.
Response: -From Daniel K. Elwell, Acting Administrator: FAA Comment. I n December 2017, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and its team of Aviation Safety Inspectors (the Team) partnered with the General Aviation Joint Steering Committee (GAJSC) on the CFiT workgroup. The Team in conjunct ion with its joint efforts with GAJSC will focus on improving voluntary program s implemented by part 135 operators/certificate holders to reduce CFIT accidents. Special emphasis will be placed on Alaska and the human factors identified by the Board. As part of this effort, the Team will conduct discussions with the FAA's General Aviation Safety Assurance Division and Offices with oversight of part 135 operators/certificate holders in Alaska that voluntarily incorporated CFiT training into their 17 AA-approved training programs. This will ensure the Team has the most current understanding of part 135 operators in Alaska. Furthermore, the Team will ensure that early communications with FAA offices and units responsible for continued operational safety is accomplished, and that FAA offices with oversight of part 135 operations relay the content of this safety recommendation.