The International Civil Aviation Organization’s safety information protection task force (SIP TF) will hold a public listening session on 5 December 2012 in Washington, D.C. at the L’Enfant Plaza Hotel. ICAO has invited industry stakeholders, aviation accident victims’ family groups, law enforcement, the judiciary and members of the public to present their views on topics currently under review.

The event's purpose is to assist the SIP TF in its efforts to understand the needs and perspectives of interested groups and individuals and identify a sound basis on which to consider approaches to balancing the protection of safety information with the administration of justice, safety-related regulatory action and the public’s right to know.

The first public session begins at 9 a.m. by canvassing the views of members of the aviation bar on issues related to safety information protection in civil litigation, criminal prosecutions, regulatory actions and related investigations.

The second session at 2 p.m. will provide a private setting for victims’ family members and victims’ support groups to provide their perspective on the issue of safety information protection.

The day’s sessions are supported by the Flight Safety Foundation, the International Air & Transportation Safety Bar Association, the American Bar Association (ABA) Forum on Air & Space Law and the ABA Tort Trial & Insurance Practice Section’s Aviation and Space Law Committee.