Federal Aviation Regulations Practice Test

When must the operator of an aircraft involved in an incident submit a report to the NTSB?

1. Immediately after the incident

2. When requested by the NTSB

3. Within 24 hours of the incident

4. Within 10 days of the incident

The correct answer is: When requested by the NTSB

The requirement for an aircraft operator involved in an incident to submit a report to the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) emphasizes the importance of thorough investigation and data collection for safety. In most cases, an operator must submit a report only when specifically requested by the NTSB, reflecting a responsive approach to safety management rather than an immediate obligation after every incident. This practice allows the NTSB to prioritize resources and focus on significant events that may require deeper investigation or pose a greater risk to aviation safety. While the operator has a responsibility to report certain incidents, the submission timeline is dictated by the NTSB's needs rather than a fixed period following the event. Other timing options, such as immediate reporting or specific time frames like 24 or 10 days, would not align with the procedural approach taken by the NTSB, which aims to optimize the investigatory process based on the context and severity of the incidents reported.