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On March
4, 1999, a Goldens Bridge Housewife formed an international organization.
On May
10, 2000, the President’s Executive Office praised IASA for bringing
to their attention a critical safety issue.
On May
29, 2002, IASA was invited to inspect the wiring on the Space Shuttle
Discovery.
 .
 Roots
Mrs. Lyn S Romano established
the International Aviation Safety Association (IASA) on March 4, 1999.
Lyn’s forty-four year old husband, Mr. Ray M Romano, was one of the
229 people killed when a Swissair operated MD-11 crashed off the coast
of Nova Scotia, Canada,
on September
2, 1998.
 The Aviation Safety Void
It soon became apparent to Lyn
that this crash highlighted a number of aviation safety issues that
were well known among the aviation community - some had been the subject
of discussion for more than 20 years. Although Lyn appreciated that
the crash would be the subject of a full and thorough investigation
by the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) she realized there
were a range of safety issues that would not form part of their enquiries.
What was needed was a truly independent global organization that could
tackle a broad range of safety issues free from commercial or political
pressures. This was the birth of what would eventually become known
around the world as the International Aviation Safety Association
(IASA) – a global, politically and financially independent, organization
concerned in all aspects of aviation safety.
 One of Too Many Issues
If the crash of Swissair flight 111 highlights one safety
issue in particular it would be the safety hazards associated with
aging wiring in aircraft. This has always been the principal focus
of IASA’s work and IASA remains as committed to this issue as she
ever was. In a May 10, 2000, Memorandum the President’s Executive Office praised
IASA for bringing to the White House’s attention the safety issues
associated with aging wiring in aircraft. They went on to declare
this issue to be one of “national concern” and established the Wire
System Safety Inter-Agency Working Group (WSSIWG).
These concerns have been given further momentum by the issuance
of a number of safety recommendations by the TSB culminating in the
August 28, 2001, “Material Flammability Standards”
recommendations. These provided for, among other things, the revision
of regulations based on realistic ignition scenarios, to prevent the
use of any material that sustains or propagates fire, performance
testing and a stringent certification regime for aircraft wiring.
IASA has briefed governments
and regulators worldwide on this and other issues, including, the
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Safety Board
of Canada (TSB), the UK CAA, the US National Transportation Safety
Board, the US General Accounting Office, the UK House of Commons,
Transport Canada and the (European) Joint Aviation Authorities.
 Kennedy Space Center
In May 2002, IASA was invited by NASA to the Kennedy Space
Center, Florida, to inspect the wiring on the space shuttle Discovery
during “her” 20-24 month maintenance mode. The inspection was carried
out by Lyn alone and formed the center-piece of a memorable trip.
IASA had the opportunity to observe “best practices” in operation
and discuss wiring issues in a professional, candid and frank manner
with a world-respected organization that prides itself on its “safety
first” approach. In Lyn’s words “NASA has shown me, not in words,
but by their aggressive action they do whatever is humanly possible
to ensure the safety of their crew”.
911
The terrorist atrocities of September 11, 2001, highlighted gross deficiencies in both airport and
aircraft security and resulted in the loss of thousands of innocent
lives. The intense public and political scrutiny of these issues resulted
in the formation of the Transportation Security Agency (TSA) that
took over control of these functions from the FAA. Innocent blood
was shed before these reforms took place. IASA has always sought a
proactive approach to aviation safety issues instead of a reactive
one. IASA will continue to seek more stringent security at our airports
and on our aircraft.
Global Positioning
Aviation Safety is a global matter. This has been one of
the corner stones of our work and it is for this reason that IASA’s
offices are strategically located around the world. With principal
offices in the United States,
Australia and Europe, IASA ensures that safety issues are afforded maximum
exposure and actions coordinated to seek reforms where necessary.
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