NTSB Issues Recommendation A-12-033 to FAA Regarding Flight Data Recording

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a safety recommendation, designated as A-12-033 and identified by report number DCA12SS005. This directive is addressed specifically to the Federal Aviation Administration. The core of the recommendation requires the FAA to revise its existing regulatory guidance documents. Specifically, the NTSB urges the agency to update Federal Aviation Administration Advisory Circular 90-89A, which serves as the Amateur-Built Aircraft and Ultralight Flight Testing Handbook. The revision must incorporate new guidance regarding the use of recorded flight data. This updated guidance is intended to support two primary functions within the experimental aircraft community. First, it aims to standardize the use of flight data for the purposes of conducting safe flight tests. Second, it seeks to establish protocols for maintaining continued airworthiness using this recorded data. The recommendation highlights a gap in current advisory materials that the NTSB believes needs immediate attention to enhance safety standards for amateur-built and experimental aircraft operations.