NTSB SELECTS GEORGE WASHINGTON UNIVERSITY SITE FOR ITS TRAINING ACADEMY

The facility will be located on the school's Loudoun County, Virginia campus adjacent to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Crash Analysis Center. The facility is expected to be ready for operation in early 2003.

The arrangement with GWU is for a 20-year lease for classroom and future laboratory space, and open yard space to house accident reconstructions and other equipment to be used in training accident investigators. The reconstructed wreckage of TWA flight 800 will be housed at the facility for training purposes.

Acting Chairman Hall said today, "The NTSB has a long history of participation in the training of investigators from other countries and cooperating with their governments to investigate accidents throughout the world.

"Our new Academy will train accident investigators from public and private organizations, both domestic and foreign. With transportation systems continuing to grow every year, and with the increasing need for well-trained accident investigators in many countries, this Academy will serve the cause of transportation safety for travelers all around the world.

"A number of Safety Boards in other countries and U.S.-based organizations have expressed strong interest in helping NTSB establish the Academy. We look forward to working with the George Washington University in making the Academy a success."

NTSB Media Contact: Ted Lopatkiewicz (202) 314-6100