A-94-007
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 SPECIFY THAT IN AN EMERGENCY SITUATION, IF THERE IS A NEED FOR ANY TWO AIRCRAFT, NOT JUST DESIGNATED SEARCH AND RESCUE AIRCRAFT, TO GET CLOSER TO ONE ANOTHER THAN RADAR SEPARATION STANDARDS ALLOW, THAT SUCH MANEUVERS BE ACCOMPLISHED VISUALLY, AFTER THE PILOTS HAVE SIGHTED EACH OTHER. IT SHOULD BE EXPLAINED THAT ALTITUDE SEPARATION CAN BE USED TO GET AIRCRAFT WITHIN 1 OR 2 THOUSAND FEET OF EACH OTHER IF NECESSARY FOR JOIN-UP PURPOSES, AND THAT THIS NORMAL SEPARATION CRITERIA SHOULD NEVER BE COMPROMISED, EVEN IN AN EMERGENCY.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB advises the FAA to update its air traffic control guidelines so that pilots must visually confirm they can see each other before flying closer than standard radar rules allow during an emergency. This rule applies to any aircraft involved in the situation, not just those specifically designated for search and rescue. The guidance also clarifies that while planes may need to fly within a few thousand feet of one another to coordinate, they must always maintain their normal altitude separation to ensure safety.
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).