NTSB -- NTSB TAKES SAFETY MESSAGE TO PILOTS AND ENTHUSIASTS AT AIRVENTURE

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NTSB PRESS RELEASE

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National Transportation Safety Board

Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 26, 2011

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NTSB TAKES SAFETY MESSAGE TO PILOTS AND ENTHUSIASTS AT

AIRVENTURE

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WASHINGTON - National Transportation Safety Board Chairman

Deborah A.P. Hersman and Member Earl Weener are attending

the Experimental Aircraft Association's (EAA) annual

convention in Oshkosh, Wisconsin. AirVenture 2011 will draw

more than 500,000 pilots and aviation buffs to its week-long

jamboree.

Last year, the NTSB investigated more than 1,400 general

aviation accidents which resulted in the deaths of some 450

individuals. So far this year, the number of general

aviation accidents is on the rise - in June, the NTSB

investigated 25 fatal accidents and we have already

surpassed that number in July. Last month the NTSB

announced that improving general aviation safety had been

added to its Most Wanted List of transportation safety

improvements.

"AirVenture is a perfect opportunity to take our safety

message to the largest gathering of sport aviation

enthusiasts in the United States and to meet the thousands

of GA pilots and industry representatives in attendance,"

said Chairman Hersman. "We are here to listen and learn as

well as share lessons learned from recent NTSB accident

investigations and studies with an amazing group of

aviators."

Earlier this month, the NTSB announced the launch of a study

on experimental amateur-built (E-AB) airplanes. The study is

looking at a range of E-AB issue areas including builder

assistance programs; transition training for pilot-builders

of E-ABs; flight test and certification requirements;

maintenance of E-AB aircraft; and the performance and

failures of systems, structures, and power plants. During

this year's AirVenture, the EAA is seeking input, via a

short survey, from E-AB pilots and builders about this fast

growing segment of general aviation. The information they

gather will be shared with the NTSB for inclusion in our

study. We expect the study to be completed in the fall of

2012.

While in Oshkosh, Chairman Hersman and Member Weener will

meet with industry officials and exhibitors, discuss general

aviation safety and meet with members of the public who

visit the NTSB exhibit booth. NTSB investigators will

conduct presentations on accident investigations and safety

recommendations and will be featured on EAA Radio daily.

For more information on the NTSB's participation at

AirVenture, contact one of the press officers below or

EAA AirVenture runs through Sunday and is being held at the

Wittman Regional Airport in Oshkosh, WI.

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NTSB Media Contacts:

Kelly Nantel

202-257-5899

Kelly.nantel@xxxxxxxx

Terry N. Williams

202-320-2594

williat@xxxxxxxx

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