NTSB PRESS RELEASE
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National Transportation Safety Board
Washington, DC 20594

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: October 18, 2004
SB-04-30

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NTSB DEDICATES TRAINING ACADEMY TO VICTIMS AND FAMILIES OF
TRANSPORTATION ACCIDENTS


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Ashburn, VA - Today the National Transportation Safety Board
officially dedicated its training academy in Ashburn,
Virginia to the victims of transportation accidents and
their families. NTSB Chairman Ellen Engleman Conners drew
attention to the inscription on the front of the Academy
that reads, "From tragedy we draw knowledge to improve the
safety of all." The Chairman stated, "Out of tragedy, good
must come. The NTSB Academy enhances the Safety Board's
ability to promote its safety recommendations so that they
will be implemented, and to sharpen the expertise of
accident investigators throughout the world -- all with the
goal of saving lives."

Secretary of Transportation Norman Y. Mineta gave the
keynote address at the dedication. In his remarks the
Secretary noted, "It should come as no surprise to anyone
that the courses offered here are taught by some of the best
and brightest investigators in the business, the Safety
Board employees themselves. The relentless pursuit of
safety has a home at the NTSB Academy."

Congressman James L. Oberstar, Ranking Democratic
Member of the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee,
former NTSB Chairman Jim Hall, and Charles H. Simpson Acting
Chairman of the Transportation Safety Board of Canada also
addressed the audience of transportation safety leaders.
Several family members of victims of transportation
accidents performed the ribbon cutting.

The NTSB Academy opened its doors on the Virginia
campus of George Washington University in Ashburn in
September 2003. The Academy provides training for NTSB
investigators and others from the transportation community
to improve their practice of accident investigation
techniques. The curriculum promotes independent, objective,
and technically advanced accident investigations that will
enhance the safety of all modes of transportation.

The NTSB Academy is located at 45065 Riverside
Parkway, Ashburn, Virginia. Information about the facility
is on the NTSB website, www.ntsb.gov. -- 30 --


Media Contact: NTSB Public Affairs (202) 314-6219

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