The informal and formal networks established by FAA  and the military services to exchange critical aviation safety information  have proven useful. However, because recent and expected retirements  threaten to erode informal networks, additional formal channels of  communication are needed to help ensure that safety risks common to  both military and civil aircraft are identified and addressed in a formal,  systematic, and timely manner. This includes the exchange of information  on how FAA and the military services have addressed particular aviation  safety concerns. Existing gaps in the formal processes used by FAA and  the military services to exchange critical safety information—evidenced by  the investigation of fuel tank flammability after the crash of TWA Flight  800 and the Strandflex case—could also allow for communication lapses  and delays in getting critical safety information to the right parties in a  timely manner, potentially resulting in the loss of lives and aircraft.
What GAO Found

The informal and formal networks used by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the military services to exchange critical aviation safety information have proven useful. However, because recent and expected retirements threaten to erode informal networks, additional formal channels of communication are needed to ensure that common safety risks are identified and addressed in a systematic and timely manner. This includes the exchange of information on how FAA and the military services have addressed particular aviation safety concerns. Existing gaps in the formal processes used by FAA and the military services to exchange information could allow for communication lapses and delays in getting critical safety information to the right parties in a timely manner, potentially resulting in the loss of lives and aircraft.