A-94-006
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: REVISE AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL HANDBOOK 7110.65, CHAPTER 10, "EMERGENCIES," TO INCLUDE AN EXPLANATION OF THE CLOSE FORMATION FLIGHT THAT WOULD BE REQUIRED TO ESCORT AN AIRCRAFT THROUGH SOLID CLOUD FORMATIONS. THE REVISION SHOULD ALSO EXPLAIN THAT AN ESCORT THROUGH SUCH CONDITIONS SHOULD NEVER BE CONSIDERED FOR THE RESOLUTION OF AN EMERGENCY UNLESS THE EMERGENCY INVOLVES PILOTS WHO ARE QUALIFIED FOR AND CAPABLE OF FORMATION FLIGHT, ARE FAMILIAR WITH EACH OTHER'S ABILITIES, CAN COMMUNICATE WITH ONE ANOTHER, AND HAVE VISUAL OR AIRBORNE RADAR CONTACT WITH THE OTHER AIRCRAFT.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asks the FAA to update its Air Traffic Control Handbook 7110.65, Chapter 10 on emergencies, by adding a description of the close formation flight needed to escort an aircraft through solid cloud. The revision should also state that this type of escort must never be used for an emergency unless the pilots involved are qualified for formation flight, know each other's abilities, can communicate, and have visual or airborne radar contact with each other.
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 | Dec 14, 1994 |
| NTSB number | 79858 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).