Washington, DC, December 5, 2012 – Capt. Kevin Hiatt, Chief Operating Officer of the Flight Safety Foundation, spoke today before the International Civil Aviation Organization’s Safety Information Protection Task Force about the importance of protecting safety data during investigations.
“The safety of the traveling public depends on encouraging a climate of cooperation following accidents and significant events. Overzealous prosecutions would threaten sources of information and jeopardize safety,” Capt. Hiatt stated.
Capt. Hiatt outlined the history of the Foundation’s involvement in this issue as well as highlighted recent news. “The Foundation recently signed a Memorandum of Cooperation with ICAO, which will help facilitate more information sharing globally among westernized and non-westernized states. This joint effort will breathe some life into information sharing, and we will need binding laws and standards in order to gain the most benefit from that information.”
The ICAO SIP Task Force coordinated today’s listening session in order to allow all interested parties on this issue to present their views for consideration during the final phase of the Task Force’s work.
“Safety data needs to be protected and used effectively to keep aviation the safest mode of transportation in the world,” Capt. Hiatt also noted. “We have to be vigorous about protecting the information, but can’t put ourselves ahead of justice. If there is intentional disregard for safety then there needs to be accountability.”
Further Information
###
Flight Safety Foundation (www.flightsafetstg.wpenginepowered.com) is an independent, non-profit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to
Contact: Emily McGee, Director of Communications, +1 703 739 6700, ext 126; mcgee@webdeva.flightsafety.org
