A-69-001
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
1. AMEND SECTIONS 91.117 AND 121.649 OF THE FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS "TO PROHIBIT ANY APPROACH BELOW 200 FEET ABOVE FIELD LEVEL UNLESS THE PILOT HAS THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD IN SIGHT AND REQUIRE THAT HE CONTINUE TO HAVE SAME IN SIGHT DURING THE REMAINDER OF THE APPROACH." 2. "BRING TO THE ATTENTION OF ALL INSTRUMENT PILOTS THE HAZARDS ASSOCIATED WITH SHALLOW FOG PENETRATION." 3. INCLUDE AS MANDATORY ITEMS IN AIRLINE TRAINING PROGRAMS AND FAA-APPROVED INSTRUMENT FLIGHT SCHOOL CURRICULUMS "INFORMATION ON SHALLOW FOG PENETRATION, THE EFFECT UPON THE GUIDANCE SEGMENT, AND THE POTENTIAL ILLUSIONS THAT CAN BE CREATED." 4. "PURSUE AS EXPEDITIOUSLY AS POSSIBLE" ITS RESEARCH INTO INSTRUMENTATION WHICH WOULD PROVIDE SLANT VISUAL RANGE INFORMATION. 5. SET STANDARDS AND SPECIFICATIONS AND ENCOURAGE THE DEVELOPMENT OF "REALISTIC" LOW-VISIBILITY-APPROACH FLIGHT SIMULATORS. 6. PROGRAM IMPROVED APPROACH ZONE LIGHTING COVERING "AT LEAST THE LAST 1,000 FEET OF THE APPROACH" FOR "INSTALLATION ON A PRIORITY BASIS," WHEN AND IF "FINANCIAL CONDITIONS PERMIT," AT AIRPORTS PRONE TO FREQUENT HEAVY FOG.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The FAA is asked to update flight rules so pilots must see the runway before descending below 200 feet and maintain that view until landing. The agency should also educate instrument pilots about the dangers of shallow fog and require this topic in pilot training programs. Additionally, the FAA is urged to research better visibility tools, develop realistic low-visibility simulators, and prioritize improved approach lighting at fog-prone airports when funds allow.
This plain-language summary is written by FlightFinder to explain the recommendation above. It is not the official wording — the verbatim NTSB text is quoted above.
Details
| Status | Closed - Acceptable Action |
|---|---|
| Mode | Aviation |
| Closed | Feb 17, 1969 |
| NTSB number | 80386 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).