Chair of NTSB promises to passionately advocate for safety throughout new term

National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) chair Jennifer Homendy will address lawmakers regarding her commitment to securing approval for safety recommendations and overseeing federal agencies during a hearing held by the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee on President Joe Biden’s reappointment of Homendy to lead the NTSB.

In her testimony, Homendy will emphasize the importance of briefing families in distressing situations, underscoring her dedication to advocating for transportation safety improvements. With her extensive experience as the on-scene board member for critical incidents such as the recent Baltimore bridge collapse and the Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 MAX 9 mid-air emergency, Homendy brings valuable expertise to the role.

Homendy’s tenure on the board, which began in 2018 with her appointment as chair in August 2021, has seen significant growth in NTSB staffing levels. The addition of 71 new hires in 2023, compared to just 7 in 2017, has bolstered the board’s capabilities to handle the 2,200 domestic and 450 foreign cases it investigates annually across different transportation modes.

Notable among Homendy’s advocacy efforts is her push for aviation safety improvements, including retrofitting all planes with cockpit voice recorders capturing 25 hours of data to enhance accident investigations. Moreover, her focus on train safety measures following the East Palestine, Ohio derailment underscores her proactive approach to preventing transportation mishaps.

Beyond aviation and rail safety, Homendy has also raised concerns about driver assistance systems like Tesla Autopilot and the safety of self-driving vehicles. While the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has differed in its response to NTSB recommendations, recent actions such as the recall of 2 million Tesla vehicles for Autopilot deficiencies signal progress towards ensuring driver safety.

In conclusion, Homendy’s unwavering dedication to transportation safety, her advocacy for necessary safety measures, and her commitment to holding federal agencies accountable highlight her effectiveness as the NTSB chair and her tireless efforts to improve overall transportation safety standards.