Forum strives for better pilots, controllers

By JOAN LOWY Associated Press Writer

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal safety officials want to promote a greater culture of professionalism among pilots and controllers in response to a series of aviation accidents and incidents over the past year.

The National Transportation Safety Board begins a three-day forum on Tuesday on getting more pilots and controllers to strive for professionalism under pressure by learning from the success stories of their peers.

NTSB Chairman Deborah Hersman said most pilots and controllers are very professional, but safety requires that everyone follow every rule every time.

Pilot and air traffic controller unions say there is no professionalism problem, and say instances of rule-breaking and misconduct are rare.