FAA Military Competency Practice Exam

When is an operator required to submit a report to the nearest NTSB field office after an incident?

1. Always, regardless of the incident

2. Only if requested to do so

3. Only if the incident involves injury

4. Immediately after any incident occurs

The correct answer is: Only if requested to do so

The requirement for an operator to submit a report to the nearest NTSB field office is based on specific criteria defined by the NTSB regulations. An operator is required to report only when requested to do so, which means that not every incident necessitates an automatic report. The reporting obligations can vary depending on the nature and severity of the incident, as well as the circumstances surrounding it. In many situations, such as minor incidents or those that do not result in significant damage or injury, operators may not be compelled to report to the NTSB unless there is a specific request for information. This aims to ensure that the NTSB receives reports that are pertinent and necessary for their investigations while not overwhelming the system with unnecessary paperwork for minor issues. Understanding this process underscores the importance of discerning which incidents necessitate a report, promoting efficient use of resources and focused oversight by the NTSB.