The Chairman “hit it out of the Park” last Friday in Anchorage by literally giving Alaskan aviation industry stakeholders the global spotlight under which to table their concerns as well as frustrations. The matter of fatal aircraft hull loses got extremely personal and “up front“ through the experiences of many Panelists as well as The Chairman himself.
The stage has now been clearly set to move forward in improving the safety performance of the Alaskan aviation industry. Not by wishing or hoping, but by utilizing a collaborative and data-driven methodology to secure needed funding and keeping the full attention of Washington legislators and regulators focused upon Alaska.
While the concept of a “Safety Czar” may be somewhat dated and over-used, we need a highly experienced and passionate aviation safety advocate to pull the loose ends together and integrate the efforts of the many individuals and organizations whose continued viability depends on having a safe and reliable air transportation system within the State.
If you were not fortunate enough to attend the round-table in person, you may view the entire roundtable on the NTSB’s “Events” Page or on the NTSB’s YouTube Channel.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5mnDetnPgVI&feature=youtu.be
Congratulations to the NTSB, Chairman Sumwalt, Panelists, and All Attendees for what I believe will be an industry changing event for aviation in the Great State of Alaska!