NTSB Most Wanted

The Aviation specific items on the NTSB Most Wanted 2013 list are as follows: General Aviation: Identify and Communicate Hazardous Weather, and Address Unique Characteristics of Helicopter Operations. Since, in our aviation program, we tend me discuss Fixed-wing aircraft, I am going to focus on the Helicopter Operations item on the Most Wanted list.

According to the NTSB, the issue to address regarding Helicopter Operations is simply that higher risk tasks that helicopter operators need to take on (helicopter emergency medical services, for example) are leading to an unacceptably high number of accidents. There is no way to completely eliminate risk with anything, especially when it comes to something as intense as these certain helicopter operations. The NTSB is trying to implement educated and significantly researched programs for rotorcraft risk evaluation. Since the NTSB has researched so thoroughly over the last 10 years (regarding these safety issues), I believe they really do understand the dangers of the system as it is now, and issuing a proposed plan really shows that they are trying to do something about it. In addition to making people aware that there is a problem, I believe they should immediately develop and issue certain safety programs to rotorcraft operations, and to emergency helicopter organizations specifically in order to reduce risk. Helicopter pilots should, at least, be thrown into training scenarios that have posed the biggest threat to them in the field; based on the NTSB's research and findings over the last decade. Mitigating risk should be the target goal of these rotorcraft operations and the NTSB should immediately step in and make sure this is being done efficiently. These programs will not only benefit the pilots and operators, but the people whom they service as well.

I certainly believe that this two issues should be on the NTSB Most Wanted list. Weather has always been a huge issue and hazard in the aviation community. Since the PIC makes the final decision of "if" they should fly in certain weather or not, the NTSB wants to make sure that they have the proper weather-flight training, proper equipment available for being about to fly in certain weather, and very accurate and fast information regarding the weather. I also believe that these risky helicopter operations are an important issue, as well. On the Aviation Accident Reports page on the NTSB website (http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/reports_aviation.html), there are plenty of examples in which fatal accidents occurred from helicopters being in these researched, risky situations. Along with these issues, I believe there are other problems in the industry in which some new NTSB enforced programs could really help all types of aircraft operations. One such BIG problem in the industry is aircraft collision and improper direction from the tower. A case involving a midair collision between a Piper PA-32R-300 and a Eurocopter over the Hudson River in 2009 is a great example of this problem. It was determined that the air traffic controller's distraction and lack of guidance was a probable cause of this accident (http://www.ntsb.gov/investigations/summary/AAR1005.html). The industry would certainly benefit by setting up programs to better improve air traffic control operations. These programs could help better screen air traffic controllers to ensure they are a good fit for their position, as well as, help make better the very competent air traffic control operations.

I definitely see the potential for new jobs within the NTSB - due to this new Most Wanted list. Assuming the NTSB acts on what it is recognizing in the industry, they will surely hire people to help implement these new programs. Along with the NTSB, the general aviation: weather problem will require more people to help expedite the weather fast and accurately. People involved with the training of pilot's for the weather problem, according to NTSB, will need to be hired as well. There is a lot of potential for new jobs because of this newly published NTSB Most Wanted list.