Story ID: 148Sept18
Landsberg, Homendy Confirmations Fill NTSB Board
By: Kerry Lynch
Caption: Landsberg brings a deep background in general aviation safety, while Homendy has pipeline and rail expertise.
Word Count: 351
The National Transportation Safety Board is poised to have a full complement of members with the Senate confirmation this week of Jennifer Homendy and Bruce Landsberg to the vacant seats.

Landsberg was nominated last fall for a five-year term on the NTSB that was to have begun on Jan. 1, 2018, as well as a two-year term as vice chairman. Homendy, meanwhile, was nominated this past spring to fulfill the remainder of a vacated term that expires Dec. 31, 2019. They join chairman Robert Sumwalt and members Earl Weener and Bella Dinh-Zarr on the Board.

The former executive director and president of the AOPA Foundation and Air Safety Institute (ASI), Landsberg brings a lengthy background in general aviation safety to his new role on the Safety Board. Most recently serving as an advisor to ASI, he also has served as the industry co-chair of the FAA’s runway safety program. Landsberg joined AOPA in 1992, but his aviation career traces back to 1967 as mission launch officer with the U.S. Air Force Reserve. His background also includes roles with companies such as Beacon Flying Service, Cessna Aircraft, and FlightSafety International, as well as with Flying magazine.

Homendy’s background, meanwhile, has been focused on other areas of transportation safety, as she served as the Democrat staff director of the House railroads, pipelines, and hazardous materials subcommittee since 2004. She also has been a legislative representative for the International Brotherhood of Teamsters and worked for the Transportation Trades Department, AFL-CIO, the American Iron and Steel Institute, and the National Federation of Independent Business.

NBAA welcomed the confirmations. Ed Bolen, president and CEO of the association, called Landsberg “one of the most knowledgeable and passionate safety proponents our industry has ever seen,” and said his expertise makes him a valued addition to the NTSB. NBAA highlighted his frequent participation at the association's events.

As for Homendy, Bolen added, “The association has always had a positive relationship with all NTSB members, and we’re confident this spirit of collaboration will continue with this new addition to the board."