The National Transportation Safety Board has directed the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a policy for establishing independent technical expert panels to advise on certification safety for new aircraft technologies.
Safety recommendation
The National Transportation Safety Board has directed the Federal Aviation Administration to develop a policy for establishing independent technical expert panels to advise on certification safety for new aircraft technologies.
The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued Recommendation A-14-036, identified under reference number DCA13IA037, addressed directly to the Federal Aviation Administration. This directive urges the agency to develop a comprehensive policy aimed at establishing a panel of independent technical experts when practicable. The primary function of this proposed panel would be to advise on methods of compliance and best practices for certifying the safety of new technology intended for use on either new or existing aircraft. The NTSB emphasizes that such a panel should be established as early as possible within the certification program. This timing is critical to ensure that the most current research and information related to the specific technology can be effectively incorporated during the development process. The recommendation highlights the importance of integrating expert technical advice early in the lifecycle of aviation technology certification to enhance safety outcomes.