The National Transportation Safety Board said in a recent press release that it is pleased that Delta Air Lines has reinstated its Aviation Safety Action Program (ASAP).

Under ASAP, pilots, mechanics, and dispatchers receive immunity from disciplinary action when they voluntarily report any safety-related incidents.

“ASAP is a major component to aviation safety,” said NTSB Acting Chairman Mark V. Rosenker. “We are hopeful that other carriers, who have recently suspended their ASAP, will also see the importance and value of these programs and quickly reinstate them,” he added.

The Safety Board believes that proactive safety programs, which encourage voluntary disclosure of safety issues, are critical to ensuring aviation safety and identifying problems before they lead to accidents.

The memorandum of understanding signed between the carrier, the Air Line Pilots Association and the Federal Aviation Administration will identify and correct safety issues, and prevent accidents.