NTSB · Safety Recommendation
Safety Recommendation A-14-065
Recommendation
TO THE FEDERAL AVIATION ADMINISTRATION: Review all existing regulations and special provisions that are intended to separate parasailing and aircraft operations, and take appropriate action to ensure that these directives are in harmony and consistently applied nationwide to reduce the risk of midair collisions.
Safety Issue and Context
This special investigation report examines parasailing accidents in the United States and its territories, and identifies several areas where the risk associated with parasailing may be mitigated. Each year, an estimated 3 to 5 million people in the United States participate in parasailing; however, no federal regulations or guidelines establish specific training or certification for parasailing operators. There is no requirement for inspection of the parasailing equipment, and no requirement to suspend operations during inclement or unsuitable weather conditions.
As this report will describe, passengers seeking to enjoy the thrill, adventure, and panoramic views of parasailing risk becoming accident victims. Due to the nature of parasailing, accidents usually result in either serious injury or death.
This investigation report strives to reduce the number of injuries and fatalities associated with parasailing through recommendations that will improve safety for parasailing passengers and operators. The report also examines operations, equipment, and the various dynamic forces that affect parasailing.
Response History
September 6, 2016 · NTSB Correspondence · FAA
We note that, on December 5, 2014, you issued a policy memorandum to all parasail operators detailing safety measures for parasail and aircraft operations occurring in the same area. In addition, the memorandum identifies all regulations and orders governing parasail and banner tow aircraft operations and standardizes parasailing and aircraft operations guidance, ensuring that the directives are applied consistently nationwide. Your issuance of the policy memorandum satisfies Safety Recommendation A-14-65, which is classified CLOSED--ACCEPTABLE ACTION.
August 1, 2016 · Recipient Response · FAA
-From Michael P. Huerta, Administrator: In response to this recommendation, the FAA issued on December 5, 2014. A policy memorandum (enclosed) to all parasail operators detailing safety measures for parasail and aircraft operations occurring in the same area. In particular, parasail operators are required to not operate in a ma1mer that creates a hazard to other persons or the air property. Banner tow aircraft are required to not operate in a careless or reckless manner and must not be operated closer than 500 feet to any person, vessel (including a parasail aloft), vehicle, or structure when operating over open water.
Additionally, the memorandum identifies all regulations and orders governing the operations of parasail and banner tow aircraft. This memorandum standardizes the guidance intended to provide safe operating environments for parasailing and aircraft operations and ensures the directives are applied consistently nationwide.
November 17, 2014 · NTSB Correspondence · FAA
We note that you are discussing with the Coast Guard the enforcement of federal regulations pertaining to parasail operators and are determining the effectiveness of existing regulations and orders as they relate to separation standards between aircraft and parasail operations. We look forward to receiving the results of your efforts and your plan for addressing the safety issues identified in these recommendations. Pending our receipt and review of this detailed information, Safety Recommendations A-14-64 through -66 are classified OPEN—ACCEPTABLE RESPONSE.
September 9, 2014 · Recipient Response · FAA
-From Michael P. Huerta, Administrator: The FAA is reviewing these recommendations to determine the effectiveness of existing regulations and orders, as they pertain to separation standards between aircraft and parasail operations.
I will keep the Board informed of the FAA's progress on these safety recommendations and update the Board by November 2015.