FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

What airborne incident requires the nearest NTSB field office to be notified immediately?

1. Flight control system malfunction or failure

2. Loss of communication with air traffic control

3. Routine maintenance checks

4. Passenger complaints about service

The correct answer is: Flight control system malfunction or failure

The scenario that necessitates immediate notification of the nearest NTSB field office involves significant incidents that could potentially impact safety and warrant investigation. A flight control system malfunction or failure is critical because it directly affects the aircraft's ability to respond to pilot commands, which poses a serious risk to the safety of all on board and, potentially, to others on the ground. In such instances, it is crucial to alert the NTSB as they are responsible for investigating aviation accidents and incidents that significantly compromise flight safety. This ensures prompt action can be taken to assess the situation, gather evidence, and prevent future occurrences. Contrasting this with other options, routine maintenance checks are standard procedures and do not require such immediate reporting. Loss of communication with air traffic control, while serious, typically does not mandate immediate NTSB involvement unless it leads to an accident or further safety violation. Similarly, passenger complaints about service are issues related to customer satisfaction rather than safety, and thus do not fall under the jurisdiction of the NTSB.