NTSB Issues Recommendation A-17-042 to FAA Regarding Ketchikan Air Tour Operations

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has issued Recommendation A-17-042 addressed to the Federal Aviation Administration. This directive requires the FAA to analyze automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B) data derived from Ketchikan air tour operations on an ongoing basis. Furthermore, the recommendation mandates that the agency meet annually with Ketchikan air tour operators. These meetings are intended to facilitate nonpunitive discussions regarding any operational hazards reflected in the collected data. The goal of these collaborations is to develop and implement mitigation strategies for any hazards identified through this process.