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Tuesday, 25 May, 2021

NATA Recognizes NTSB Chairman Sumwalt’s Service and Commitment to the Aviation Business Industry

Washington, DC, May 25, 2021 – Following news of Robert Sumwalt’s plans to step down as Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) effective June 30, 2021, National Air Transportation Association (NATA) President and CEO Timothy Obitts issued the following statement: 
 
“NATA applauds NTSB Chairman Robert Sumwalt’s years of service and commitment to aviation safety, professionalism, and industry standards. As our mission encompasses all aspects of aviation business safety, we appreciate Chairman Sumwalt’s vision for organization-wide and industry-wide approaches such as SMS and data monitoring as keys to continuous aviation safety improvement. A true champion of safety, Sumwalt has been a leader in raising the bar across all modes of transportation.”
 
The Honorable Robert L. Sumwalt began his tenure at the NTSB in August 2006 when President George W. Bush appointed him to the Board and designated him as Vice Chairman. In November 2011, President Barack Obama reappointed him to an additional five-year term as Board Member. Sumwalt was sworn in as the 14th Chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board on August 10, 2017, after being nominated by President Donald J. Trump and confirmed by the U.S. Senate. In 2019, he was reconfirmed as Chairman.

For general press inquiries, contact Shannon Chambers at 703-298-1347 or schambers@nata.aero

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) has been the voice of aviation business for more than 80 years. Representing nearly 3,700 aviation businesses, NATA’s member companies provide a broad range of services to general aviation, the airlines and the military and NATA serves as the public policy group representing the interests of aviation businesses before Congress and the federal agencies.