A-98-021
NTSB Safety Recommendation — Aviation
Recommendation text
THE NTSB RECOMMENDS THAT THE FAA: REQUIRE DELTA AIR LINES TO REVIEW ITS OPERATIONAL PROCEDURES, WITH SPECIAL EMPHASIS ON NONMAINTENANCE STATIONS, TO ENSURE THAT FLIGHTCREWS HAVE ADEQUATE GUIDANCE ABOUT WHAT CONSTITUTES A MAINTENANCE IRREGULARITY OR DISCREPANCY (INCLUDING THE PRESENCE OF FLUID DROPS IN UNUSUAL LOCATIONS) BEFORE DEPARTURE, & THAT FOLLOWING THIS REVIEW DELTA SHOULD, CONTINGENT ON FAA APPROVAL, AMEND ITS FLIGHT OPERATIONS MANUAL TO CLARIFY UNDER WHAT CIRCUMSTANCES FLIGHTCREWS CAN, IF AT ALL, MAKE INDEPENDENT DETERMINATIONS TO DEPART WHEN MAINTENANCE IRREGULARITIES ARE NOTED. FURTHER, THE FAA SHOULD HAVE ITS PRINCIPAL OPERATIONS INSPECTORS REVIEW THESE POLICES & PROCEDURES AT THEIR RESPECTIVE OPERATORS TO CLARIFY, IF NECESSARY, THESE FLIGHTCREW RESPONSIBILITIES.
In plain language (FlightFinder summary)
The NTSB asks the FAA to require Delta Air Lines to review its operational procedures, especially at nonmaintenance stations, to ensure flightcrews have adequate guidance on what qualifies as a maintenance irregularity. After this review, Delta must, with FAA approval, update its Flight Operations Manual to clarify when crews can independently decide to depart despite noted irregularities. The FAA should also have its principal operations inspectors review similar policies at other operators to clarify flightcrew responsibilities.
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 19, 1999 |
| NTSB number | DCA96MA068 |
| Addressees | FAA |
External links
NTSB safety recommendations are advisory; addressees are not legally required to adopt them. Source: NTSB CAROL (public domain).