FR 2021-01362

The document is a formal notice from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) regarding an upcoming meeting scheduled to be held virtually on February 9, 2021. The focus of this meeting is an important aviation investigation report examining a rapid descent incident involving Island Express Helicopters Inc. and a Sikorsky S-76B in Calabasas, California.

Summary of the Document

The notice provides essential information about the NTSB's meeting, including the time, format, and key matters to be discussed. Due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, the meeting will occur virtually and will be accessible to the public through a live or archived webcast available on the NTSB website. This virtual format is intended to ensure public safety while maintaining transparency in governmental proceedings under the Government in the Sunshine Act. The document emphasizes that due to the unpredictable nature of the pandemic and potential weather conditions, meeting details may change, with updates provided on the NTSB website.

Significant Issues or Concerns

Several issues within the document merit attention:

1. Lack of Details on Virtual Format: The document does not elaborate on why choosing a virtual format was necessary beyond the general mention of COVID-19. This absence of detail may leave the public wondering about the specific considerations that informed this decision.

2. Accessibility Concerns: By limiting public access to the webcast format, the document does not address those without reliable internet access. This approach inadvertently excludes portions of the population, potentially conflicting with public accessibility commitments.

3. Inconsistent Contact Information: The notice provides contact information in varying formats, which could confuse individuals seeking more details or attempting to reach out to the responsible parties efficiently.

4. Vague Contingency Plans: The document refers to possible scheduling changes without detailing what these changes might be or how they will be communicated. This vagueness could lead to public uncertainty regarding the event.

Impact on the Public

Broadly, the announcement impacts the public by providing an opportunity to observe an NTSB meeting, enhancing transparency regarding aviation safety investigations. This improved public access to information can contribute to better understanding and confidence in governmental proceedings.

However, the limitation to virtual attendance may disproportionately affect those without digital access, representing a potential barrier to widespread public engagement. Accessibility to government meetings is a foundational public service, and when constraints like these arise, they can undermine the principles of openness and inclusivity.

Impact on Stakeholders

Positively, the document potentially benefits stakeholders such as aviation experts, safety enthusiasts, and journalists by allowing them to conveniently attend the meeting from anywhere, thus increasing their ability to gather timely information.

Negatively, stakeholders that rely on in-person interactions, such as advocacy groups representing the digitally underserved, may find themselves excluded from participation. Hence, there is a tangible need to provide alternative access methods to foster comprehensive stakeholder inclusion.

In summary, while the NTSB's notice demonstrates a commitment to maintaining operations amid the pandemic, the outlined concerns highlight areas where accessibility and clarity could be enhanced to serve the public more equitably.