NTSB Recommends FAA and Coast Guard Resolve Right-of-Way Conflicts for Parasailing

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has released Safety Recommendation A-14-066, addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration. The recommendation urges the FAA to collaborate with the Coast Guard to resolve significant conflicts regarding right-of-way rules for parasailing vessels. Currently, an existing Federal Aviation Administration special provision grants aircraft the right-of-way over parasailing vessels. However, this stands in contrast to existing international and inland navigation rules, which imply that parasailing vessels are restricted in their ability to maneuver and, therefore, should be afforded the right-of-way. The NSB is calling for these regulatory frameworks to be aligned to ensure safety.