CONSENSUS ON NEED FOR FAA GUIDANCE HELPS PROPEL ERA OF DIRECTOR OF SAFETY

SUBTITLE: THE ROLE OF DIRECTOR OF SAFETY -- AS AN AIRLINE-MANAGEMENT POSITION THAT REPORTS DIRECTLY TO THE CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER -- HAS BECOME AN IMPORTANT ELEMENT OF SAFETY OVERSIGHT IN U.S. COMMERCIAL AIR TRANSPORT. REGULATORS, AIRLINES AND PILOTS HAVE DIVERGENT VIEWPOINTS ABOUT METHODS OF COMPLIANCE WITH THE REQUIREMENTS OF THIS POSITION IN U.S. FEDERAL AVIATION REGULATIONS. DURING 1999, SEVERAL ORGANIZATIONS JOINTLY MADE RECOMMENDATIONS ON QUALIFICATIONS, AUTHORITY AND DUTIES, AND THE U.S. FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION ISSUED GUIDANCE MATERIAL.