NTSB Says ATC Needs Better Emergency Training
Air traffic controllers need better training to effectively assist aircraft in distress, the NTSB said in a safety-recommendation report released in September. The report was based on an analysis of five general aviation accidents from 2012 to 2015, in which seven people died. In each case, the pilot was talking to ATC but the controller either failed to provide adequate assistance or instructed the pilot to take actions that made the situation worse, according to the NTSB. The FAA should develop a required national training program to ensure that all controllers have training that is “current and relevant,” the NTSB said, and include lessons learned from recent events.
FAA Launches ADS-B Rebate Program
In September, the FAA began offering a $500 rebate to aircraft owners who upgrade to ADS-B-capable avionics. Rebates are available for up to a year, or the first 20,000 takers, whichever comes first. The program’s website lays out a five-step process: make a plan, reserve your rebate, get the installation done, fly and validate, then file your rebate claim. The site also offers a vast selection of FAQs, a 10-minute instructional video that walks you through the process, and quick-reference PDFs.
