For the first time in 20 years, the regulations governing how
the NTSB conducts its investigations have been changed. The new
rules are the culmination of a process started by the Board over
five years ago. The new rules make official much of the
guidance and informal processes that have developed over that
time. The following is a summary of the more important
changes.
831.4 Recommendations and Cost-Benefit
Analysis: The NTSB rejected a proposal to include a
cost-benefit analysis when making its recommendations.
The Board felt that they did not have the staff or the necessary
expertise to conduct this type of analysis. In addition, the
NTSB noted that when the appropriate agency, such as the FAA,
conducts a rulemaking to implement the Board's recommendations,
additional facts on the costs and benefits often comes to light,
calling into question the merits of the NTSB performing its own
analysis outside of the rulemaking process.
