Criticizes Decline In Technical Expertise

Just before the NTSB's longest-serving member called it quits Sunday, he had a few things to say about the Board's technical abilities -- none of them good.

"Power has shifted to the staff," said John Goglia (right), who was first appointed to the NTSB by the Clinton administration. He was the first-ever aviation mechanic to serve on the board. He's worried about the board's technical abilities, since his departure means only one board member -- Richard F. Healing, a longtime director of safety and survivability for the Navy, remains.

While federal law requires at least three members have technical backgrounds, nominees can get around the requirement by having a history of working in regulatory environments. Goglia's replacement, Deborah Hersman, was a senior staff member of the Senate Commerce Committee.

Is the NTSB losing its ability to effectively discuss technical issues related to transportation accidents? Ellen Engleman Connors doesn't think so. When the Times asked her about Goglia's statement, she said, "I vehemently disagree."

"The board members are not the investigators, but the policy-makers," Connors said. "We're not the tin kickers."

Another board member agreed with Connors. "I do not think board members need to be investigators," said Carol Carmody.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov