Fri, Jul 30, 2004
NATA Speaks Up At NTSB Hearing On Cockpit Video Recorders
The camera wars are
heating up. NATA's manager of flight operations, Jacqueline Rosser,
expressed her concern over the NTSB's continued support cockpit
cameras into turbine-powered aircraft operating under Parts 135 and
91.
The Board concluded a two-day hearing this afternoon entitled
"Aviation Image Recording." The hearing was a follow-up to
recommendations by the Board issued after the October, 2002
accident involving a Raytheon Beechcraft King Air 100 near Eveleth
(MN). Senator Paul Wellstone was killed in that accident, along
with several others.
The NTSB asked NATA to take part in the hearing and was able to
question panelists brought forward by the Board to address the
feasibility, costs and obstacles faced when considering mandatory
installation of cockpit image recorders within both airline style
and other, smaller, turbine-powered aircraft.
"The association greatly appreciates the Board inviting NATA
representatives to participate at this hearing and have the
opportunity to question panelists about the pros and cons of
cockpit image recorders on turbine-powered aircraft," Rosser
stated.
While appreciative of the Board's efforts to openly discuss this
issue and encourage further study of image recording devices,
Rosser cautioned that the association is still deeply concerned
about its recommendation and direction on cockpit image
recorders. "The fact remains that the feasibility and
benefits of cockpit image recorders in small aircraft has not been
specifically studied, nor has any true cost-benefit analysis
occurred," Rosser stated.
The association also
notes that while the cost of the video recording technology is
dropping, the installation costs for the Part 135 and 91 fleets
would still be very high due to the wide variation and
customization of the turbine fleet.
Further concerning to NATA is the Board's limitation of its focus
to image recorders rather than actively considering other creative
solutions for small aircraft that could assist in accident
investigation and provide direct benefits to operators as
well.
Citing the overall exemplary safety record of the Part 135
on-demand air charter industry, Rosser explained, "The outstanding
safety record of the Part 135 industry speaks for itself,
particularly considering the wide-ranging nature of the industry as
a whole. Part 135 charter operators fly passengers and
cargo millions of miles every year without incident or
accident. The pilots are trained professionals who undergo
rigorous training.
"We are hopeful that this hearing provided an opportunity for the
Board to better understand the unique nature of the Part 135
industry and how it differs from the airlines. The
association is eager to continue working with the Board to develop
appropriate recommendations in response to identified safety
concerns," Rosser concluded.
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