ALEXANDRIA, Va. — Former U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) member, airline maintenance professional and long-time safety advocate John Goglia is the 2020 recipient of the Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award. Goglia was presented the award virtually on Thursday as part of Flight Safety Foundation’s 73rd annual International Air Safety Summit (IASS).
Also during the special presentation, former Foundation President and CEO Sir Stuart Matthews was recognized with an honorary Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award for his significant and enduring contributions to aviation safety.
Goglia, who has decades of experience in the aviation industry, was the first, and to date the only, airframe and powerplant mechanic appointed to the NTSB. He served on the Board from August 1995 to June 2004.
Before joining the NTSB, Goglia worked as an airline mechanic, was a union flight safety representative on accident investigation teams and operated his own aircraft service company. While on the Board, he was recognized for his interest in airport safety improvement in fire and rescue operations. He also was an advocate of the need to focus attention on the significance of maintenance as a factor in accidents and for greater compassion in dealing with the families and friends of accident victims. Since leaving the Board, he has been a teacher, researcher, consultant, author and mentor.
Matthews, who earned his pilot license at age 17, retired as president and CEO of the Foundation in 2006 after serving in those positions since 1994. He had previously been a member of the FSF Board of Governors since 1989 and chairman of the Board since 1991.
Upon his retirement, he received the 2006 International Federation of Airworthiness Whittle Award, named for the inventor of the turbo jet engine, and the Aero-Club of France’s Grande Médaille d’Or.
The Laura Taber Barbour Air Safety Award, which has been presented annually at IASS since 1956, recognizes and celebrates original and remarkable worldwide contributions ─ in method, design, invention, study or other advancement ─ in the field of aviation safety, be it civil or military.
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Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and communications to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to connect, influence and lead global aviation safety.
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