NTSB TO REVIEW SAFETY ADVOCACY PROGRAMS

Washington, DC -- The National Transportation Safety Board will undertake an intensive 30-day review of the effectiveness of its safety advocacy programs.

The decision came at the conclusion of a public meeting today to update the NTSB's "Most Wanted" list of safety improvements.  It was the first meeting of the five-member Board in which the new Chairman, Ellen G. Engleman, Vice Chairman Mark V. Rosenker, and Member Richard F. Healing participated.

"The NTSB must be aggressive in its pursuit of safety," said Chairman Engleman, "It is our core function, and it is critical that we find innovative and effective ways to communicate and ultimately deliver safety to the American people."

Under the Board's leadership, Engleman said, the NTSB staff will spend the next 30 days evaluating the overall effectiveness of the Safety Board's recommendations programs, including the "Most Wanted" list.  The aim, she said, is to produce an effective, coordinated safety plan that integrates NTSB investigations, recommendations and advocacy efforts. "Issuing safety recommendations, alone, is not sufficient to fulfill our obligation to ensure the safety of the national transportation system," Engleman added.  "Implementation of these recommendations is what will make a real difference."

The Board unanimously agreed to suspend consideration of a new "Most Wanted" list until the 30-day review is completed.  Noting that the "Most Wanted" list was first established in 1990, Board Members felt that it was time to re-examine it.  Board Members also asked that the review include any new communications tools or concepts that staff believes could improve the NTSB's ability to articulate its priority safety recommendations to government authorities, industry and the traveling public.

"At the end of 30 days, the Board will convene to review the results of the study and focus on how to achieve real safety performance," Engleman said.  "We want results."