NTSB focuses on deadly year in air races, shows

[alp227]

Despite a year that saw 11 deaths at the Reno Air Races in Nevada and five performers die at air shows elsewhere, federal regulators and air show organizers Tuesday vouched for the safety of the system, saying U.S. air show rules are stricter than those in other countries and do not need major revision.

U.S. rules require more distance between aerobatic aircraft and audiences than regulations in most other nations, they said. And the U.S. prohibits "aerobatic energy" from being directed towards the audience, unlike most European countries where planes can perform stunts and maneuvers while headed towards the crowd.

"We are by far the most conservative nation," said John Cudahy, president of the International Council of Air Shows.

But the National Transportation Safety Board, which scheduled Tuesday's hearing in response to the Reno crash in September, indicated it will be recommending changes, particularly for races.

full: http://www.cnn.com/2012/01/10/us/air-races-hearing/index.html

[ProgressiveProfessor]

1. The good news is that the NTSB has no authority to change anything

That is up to the FAA (in this case), which may or may not go along with them. Remember the recent recommendation/PR stunt about cell phone use?

[Blue_Tires]

2. I imagine the cost to organizers of insuring

future events is going to to through the roof...