FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Friday, August 28, 1998 SB-98-31

NTSB TO CONDUCT MEETING ON
HUMAN FACTORS IN AVIATION MAINTENANCE

Washington, D.C. - The National Transportation Safety Board is conducting a focus group meeting on Human Factors, August 31^st and September 1^st at the Aviation Technology Center located at the Indianapolis Airport Indianapolis, Indiana. The primary goal of the meeting, which will be facilitated by Purdue University staff, is to identify the successes and hurdles associated with the human factors programs and to concentrate on advancing the effectiveness of the programs.

"Participants at this meeting will have an opportunity to learn about the latest techniques in human factors training, gather lessons learned by other facilities , and benchmark individual activities against the best in the aviation industry," said John Goglia, NTSB Board member. "Using the small focus group approach, the onus will be on the attendees to bring information and questions that will be beneficial to everyone and to share training methods that are used throughout the industry," Goglia added.

In an effort to glean various training methods used throughout the world and to ultimately provide safer and more productive air carrier operations, the NTSB has invited 26 airlines, five universities and colleges, 11 associations and various government agencies to participate in this meeting. These organizations are expected to provide a wealth of insight into current human factors training activities related to aviation maintenance from around the world. Attached is a copy of the agenda for the two-day meeting.

The NTSB is an independent federal agency empowered by Congress to determine the probable cause of transportation accidents and to make recommendations to improve safety.

Media contact: Terry N. Williams (202) 314-6100