§31101 Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel

Summary

Creates an Aerospace Safety Advisory Panel of up to 9 members. The Administrator picks the members for 6-year terms. No more than 4 members may be current officers or employees of the Administration. The Panel picks one member to be its chairman. The Panel must review safety studies and operation plans sent to it, including checking the Administration’s follow-up on the Columbia Accident Investigation Board’s return-to-flight and continue-to-fly recommendations, and report on them. It must advise the Administrator and Congress about hazards, safety standards, and safety management and culture, and do other tasks the Administrator asks. Federal employee members get no extra pay. Outside members get a per diem not to exceed the maximum rate under 5 U.S.C. 5376 for each day worked. Members may be paid necessary travel and other expenses, or mileage and per diem under 5 U.S.C. 5702 and 5704, without following the Standardized Government Travel Regulations or 5 U.S.C. 5731. The Panel must send an annual report to the Administrator and Congress. The first report after December 30, 2005 must evaluate management and culture related to safety. Every annual report must evaluate the Administration’s compliance with the Columbia Accident Investigation Board’s recommendations through retirement of the space shuttle.