SPECIAL EDITORIAL

Hey NASA, release the damn report: A case of censorship.

There has been a lot said about the survey that was conducted by a NASA contractor to determine pilot perceptions of airline safety.  But if you have not heard, NASA is refusing to release the results of the survey.  Their refusals to release the results are not based on any flaw in the survey or it not being complete. NASA's chief, Michael Griffin, is refusing to release the results of the survey in fear that travelers will become fearful and not fly, resulting in a hit to airline profits.

As a frequently flyer, this is very disturbing. Since we travel in an airline industry where the consumer is expected to make informed decisions, how is suppressing publicly funded research enabling the consumer?  Especially in light of the level of deregulation that the industry has evolved to? Performance data is critical for a consumer-driven economic model to effectively operate.  The Feds can't have it both ways. If the industry is to be deregulated, then the industry and consumers must have access to all relevant data.

This might also be a case of too many foxes in the hen house. NASA's role in civil aviation is to conduct research and to perform as an enabler to the industry and the FAA.  The FAA's role is to foster a safe industry and to ensure compliance and enact enforcement when required.  The Department of Transportation, of which the FAA is a part, has its own structure of oversight upon the FAA. The NTSB is charged with the investigation of accidents and to provide conclusions and recommendations for prevention of future accidents.  The TSA is responsible for security at airports and other civilian transportation hubs.  Then there is the Office of Inspector General within the General Accounting Office (GAO) which is charged with periodic reviews of all agencies to ensure they are compliant with government policies and procedures.  I am sure I am missing an agency or two, but these are the major players within the civil aviation regulatory scheme within the US.

In light of the numerous government agencies, does anyone know what the other is doing?  More importantly, who owns the process for civilian air transportation safety?  The answer is clearly not NASA!  A review of 49 United States Code (U.S.C.) clearly describes the authority of the FAA Administrator and the associated responsibilities for civil air safety.

Reviewing the National Aeronautics and Space Act, the NASA Administrator is charged with contributing materially in various research activities, which include safety areas in non-space aviation.  The Act further requires the NASA Administrator to "provide for the widest practicable and appropriate dissemination of information concerning its activities and the results thereof."  Nowhere in the "Space Act" is there authorization provided to the NASA Administrator to protect airlines from potential loss of profits.

Readers, this editorial may have the tone of a rant. However, the fact of the matter is that the AS&D professional community, as well as, the consumers of air transportation must insist on an industry that is open for free trade and economic growth based on capability and performance.  If the civilian aviation industry is to perform within a system of checks and balances, then the system must operate as designed.  That includes government agencies.

In the case of the withheld report, it could be suggested that NASA is in violation of U.S. law.  The report might not be the answer the Feds were looking for.  But, if you can't stand the answer then don't ask the question.  Though media may not be kind, we as consumers have the right to information.  Hey NASA, release the damn report!