Catalogue description Ministry of Civil Aviation: Air Safety Board: Minutes and Papers

The creation of the Air Safety Board was announced by the Minister of Civil Aviation in November 1946, and it first met the following month. Its members were selected by the Minister for their personal and professional expertise in the field of aviation safety.

The board's function was to make recommendations to the Minister on measures calculated to improve air safety in respect of the operation of British civil aircraft throughout the world and the efficiency of the system of ground services provided for civil aircraft over the UK. Thus the board considered such matters as: the construction, testing and use of civil aircraft; passenger safety; suggested modifications to operating conditions and payload; the types and use of ground and airborne equipment, and all aspects of air traffic control and telecommunications.

During the course of its work the board developed a close relationship with the Air Transport Advisory Council, and representatives of government departments, operators, constructors and other organisations were invited to many meetings to help in the consideration of specific topics. The board does not appear to have met after 1961.