NTSB Issues Recommendation A-12-057 to FAA Regarding Flight Test Safety Guidelines

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued a formal recommendation, designated as A-12-057 and identified by reference number DCA11MA076, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This directive focuses on the integration of safety protocols into federal aviation policy. Specifically, the NTSB advises that once the Flight Test Safety Committee has completed and issued its flight test safety program guidelines, these specific standards must be included in the subsequent revision of Federal Aviation Administration Order 4040.26. The order in question is titled the Aircraft Certification Service Flight Test Risk Management Program. This recommendation underscores the importance of aligning federal certification procedures with the latest safety insights provided by the specialized committee. By mandating the inclusion of these guidelines, the NTSB aims to ensure that risk management practices within the aircraft certification service remain current and effective. The agency is calling for immediate attention to this procedural update to enhance overall flight test safety standards across the industry.