NATA Speaks Up At NTSB Hearing On Cockpit Video Recorders

The camera wars are heating up. NATA's manager of flight operations, Jacqueline Rosser, expressed her concern over the NTSB's continued support cockpit cameras into turbine-powered aircraft operating under Parts 135 and 91.
 
The Board concluded a two-day hearing this afternoon entitled "Aviation Image Recording."  The hearing was a follow-up to recommendations by the Board issued after the October, 2002 accident involving a Raytheon Beechcraft King Air 100 near Eveleth (MN). Senator Paul Wellstone was killed in that accident, along with several others.
 
The NTSB asked NATA to take part in the hearing and was able to question panelists brought forward by the Board to address the feasibility, costs and obstacles faced when considering mandatory installation of cockpit image recorders within both airline style and other, smaller, turbine-powered aircraft.
 
"The association greatly appreciates the Board inviting NATA representatives to participate at this hearing and have the opportunity to question panelists about the pros and cons of cockpit image recorders on turbine-powered aircraft," Rosser stated.
 
While appreciative of the Board's efforts to openly discuss this issue and encourage further study of image recording devices, Rosser cautioned that the association is still deeply concerned about its recommendation and direction on cockpit image recorders.  "The fact remains that the feasibility and benefits of cockpit image recorders in small aircraft has not been specifically studied, nor has any true cost-benefit analysis occurred," Rosser stated.
 
The association also notes that while the cost of the video recording technology is dropping, the installation costs for the Part 135 and 91 fleets would still be very high due to the wide variation and customization of the turbine fleet.
 
Further concerning to NATA is the Board's limitation of its focus to image recorders rather than actively considering other creative solutions for small aircraft that could assist in accident investigation and provide direct benefits to operators as well.
 
Citing the overall exemplary safety record of the Part 135 on-demand air charter industry, Rosser explained, "The outstanding safety record of the Part 135 industry speaks for itself, particularly considering the wide-ranging nature of the industry as a whole.   Part 135 charter operators fly passengers and cargo millions of miles every year without incident or accident.  The pilots are trained professionals who undergo rigorous training.
 
"We are hopeful that this hearing provided an opportunity for the Board to better understand the unique nature of the Part 135 industry and how it differs from the airlines.  The association is eager to continue working with the Board to develop appropriate recommendations in response to identified safety concerns," Rosser concluded.

FMI: www.nata-online.org