***********************************
NTSB PRESS RELEASE
***********************************
National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: January 28, 2009
SB-09-04
***********************************
NTSB PLEASED WITH DELTA'S DECISION TO REINSTATE ASAP
**********************************
Washington, DC - The National Transportation Safety Board is
pleased that Delta Air Lines has reinstated its Aviation
Safety Action Program (ASAP).
Under ASAP, pilots, mechanics, and dispatchers receive
immunity from disciplinary action when they voluntarily
report any safety-related incidents.
"ASAP is a major component to aviation safety," said NTSB
Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker. "We are hopeful that
other carriers, who have recently suspended their ASAP will
also see the importance and value of these programs and
quickly reinstate them," he added.
The Safety Board believes that proactive safety programs,
which encourage voluntary disclosure of safety issues, are
critical to ensuring aviation safety and identifying
problems before they lead to accidents.
The memorandum of understanding signed between the carrier,
the Air Line Pilots Association and the Federal Aviation
Administration will identify and correct safety issues, and
prevent accidents.