Trump Taps Aviation Veteran Bruce Landsberg for Key NTSB Role

Former President Donald J. Trump has once again signaled his intent to bolster the nation's transportation safety leadership, announcing his plan to nominate aviation veteran Bruce Landsberg for a new term on the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). This marks the second time Trump has put forward Landsberg for a pivotal role on the independent federal agency, underscoring his deep respect for Landsberg's extensive expertise and unwavering commitment to safety across all modes of transport.

Landsberg is far from a newcomer to the NTSB, having previously served with distinction as its Vice Chairman after being first confirmed by the Senate in 2017.

During his initial tenure, which concluded at the end of 2021, he played a critical role in numerous high-profile accident investigations and helped shape recommendations that have undoubtedly saved lives. His return to the board promises a continuation of his rigorous, data-driven approach to understanding and preventing transportation tragedies.

Bruce Landsberg's impressive career is a testament to his profound dedication to safety.

A former Air Force pilot, he boasts an incredible 20 years of service in the skies, accumulating over 7,000 hours across an astonishing 150 different types of aircraft. Such a vast and varied flight experience provides him with an unparalleled practical understanding of aviation systems and human factors – insights that are invaluable to the NTSB's primary mission of investigating civil aviation accidents.

Beyond his military service, Landsberg's influence on aviation safety extends significantly through his civilian roles.

He notably served as the president of the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) Air Safety Foundation, a renowned nonprofit organization dedicated to the continuous improvement of aviation safety practices and pilot education. His leadership there earned him a well-deserved induction into the Air Safety Foundation Safety Hall of Fame, recognizing his lifelong contributions to making the skies safer for everyone.

The NTSB itself is a crucial, independent federal agency tasked with investigating every civil aviation accident in the United States, alongside significant accidents in other transportation modes, including highway, marine, pipeline, and railroad incidents.

Its findings are vital, not just for determining the cause of accidents but, more importantly, for issuing safety recommendations aimed at preventing future occurrences. Landsberg's re-nomination signals a continued emphasis on expert-led, thorough investigations and proactive safety measures. His proven track record and profound understanding of complex transportation systems are expected to be a major asset as the NTSB navigates future challenges in an ever-evolving transportation landscape.