NTSB Recommends FAA Emphasize Pilot Knowledge of U.S. NAS Rules

The NTSB recommends that the Federal Aviation Administration immediately notify all domestic and foreign air carriers to emphasize that all pilots operating commercial air transport flights in the United States national airspace system must be thoroughly knowledgeable of the flight operating and air traffic control rules and procedures, including standard phraseology. This information is included in several publications such as Part I of Annex 6 to the Convention on International Civil Aviation, the U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations, and the U.S. Air Traffic Control Handbook. Pilots must be particularly familiar with their duties and responsibilities affecting flight operations and safety, which include fuel supply, emergency conditions, requests for assistance, declaring a state of minimum fuel, and declaring an emergency for additional ATC assistance to ensure a safe landing.