Aviation

Due to the physical dangers and psychological impact that the recovery and management of
personal effects can have on air carrier employees, it is strongly suggested that a professional
third party be employed. Air carriers need to allow family members the opportunity to view
unassociated personal effects. This can be done via a catalog or a CD containing photographs of
these items. Family members should be notified before the catalog or CD is sent to them for
their review. A claim for specific personal effects can be placed with the air carrier or the third
party vendor.
Air carriers are required to maintain possession of all unassociated personal effects for a
minimum of 18 months following the accident. It is recommended that family members be
notified prior to the destruction of any personal effects in the air carrier’s possession, allowing
them one final opportunity to claim previously unclaimed personal effects.
NTSB and FBI ERT have developed “best practice” guidance for surveying and searching for
personal effects at accident sites. A copy can be obtained from the NTSB TDA office.
How should an air carrier plan to demobilize its family assistance response efforts?
In accordance with common disaster management procedures, air carrier family assistance
managers should plan their demobilization during the beginning of the response.
Demobilization planning allows managers and staff to focus their activities with an
understanding of when the work will end. Since the response will eventually end, knowing the
process of how to close down the response is essential to an effective overall response.
What changes did AIR 21 and VISION 100 make to the Aviation Disaster Family Assistance
Act?
Pursuant to AIR 21:
• The restrictions on solicitation by attorneys and their agents is increased from 30 to 45 days
following the accident.
• Local authorities cannot block the use of mental health and counseling services for 30 days
following the date of the accident. The NTSB can extend that period for another 30 days if
necessary.
• An assurance that “upon request” of the family, the air carrier will inform the family of
whether the passenger’s name appeared on a preliminary passenger manifest of the accident
flight.
• An assurance that the air carrier provides adequate family assistance training to employees
and agents of the carrier.
• If an air carrier volunteers to assist U.S. citizens within the United States with respect to an
aircraft accident outside of the United States involving major loss of life, an assurance that
the air carrier will consult with the NTSB and the Department of State.
Pursuant to VISION 100:
• Requirements and procedures for air carriers when dealing with non-government owned
property damaged or destroyed during an aviation accident.
• Establishes clear lines of communication between the land/property owner and the air carrier
underwriter.
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Federal Family Assistance Plan For Aviation Disasters
Revised December 2008