John Cox , USA TODAY
3 p.m. EST December 1, 2013
Question: When a commercial plane crashes, what happens to the pilots immediately? Are they detained? Are their licenses suspended?
-- Jon Kopp, Gilbert, Ariz.
Answer:
This varies between countries. During the investigation, the pilots are
interviewed by the investigative agency (the NTSB in the US). Then the
regulatory agency (the FAA in the U.S.) determines if their license(s)
should be suspended, or what evaluation is necessary prior to flying
again. Additionally, the operator makes a determination of when or if
they will fly again. In some countries, pilots are detained by law
enforcement authorities; this criminalization of aviation accidents is a
detriment to open investigations.
Question: Why are black box recordings not released after a crash?
-- submitted by Nick Gawronski, Houston
Answer:
Having heard several cockpit voice recordings, I would never support
their release. The last minutes of life for the crew are very emotional,
they deserve their privacy. Limiting the listening of the recording to
the investigators is the only appropriate policy. If they were released,
these recordings would be played in the public media and that would be a
travesty.
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