NTSB head says FAA ignored recommendations on shared air space

Washington/New York, Aug.11 (ANI): National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) head Debbie Hersman said Monday that her agency had sent "scores of recommendations" to the Federal Aviation Authority (FAA) about small planes and tourist helicopters sharing the air space, which were ignored.

"We believe if the recommendations were implemented, aviation safety would be improved," the New York Daily News quoted Hersman, as saying.

She said 225 aircraft fly within three miles of the crash site every day, and pilots below 1,100 feet are free to choose their routes without monitoring from air-traffic controllers.

The FAA did not address Hersman's comments directly, but officials said they would study any recommendations from the NTSB when the investigation is finished.

Meanwhile, divers discovered an eighth body from Saturday's tragic crash trapped inside the mangled wreckage of the sunken airplane. Divers tried unsuccessfully to dislodge the body from the crumpled remains.

Meanwhile, New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg said he trusts the FAA to make decisions about the city's air space. (ANI)