By Debbie Hersman
It’s been four years to the day since Colgan Air flight 3407 crashed short of the Buffalo airport runway killing all 49 people on board and one person on the ground. Out of that investigation and through the tireless efforts of the family members and loved ones of those who lost their lives, air travel is safer today.
Our investigation revealed the need for improvements in a number of key aviation safety areas, including pilot professionalism, human fatigue, remedial training, pilot training records and FAA oversight. Despite their grief, I witnessed a group of families that not only wanted the industry to learn from this tragedy, but decided to lead. They became ardent and articulate advocates for real and substantial improvements to aviation safety. As a result of their tireless leadership, Congress passed the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010.
Four years after the crash near Buffalo, 
some 3 billion people have traveled safely on the U.S. airlines. That is a powerful testimony to learning and leading – from a terrible tragedy and creating a lasting legacy to improve airline safety. However, a great deal of work remains – 22 of 25 NTSB recommendations issued as a result of the Colgan accident have yet to be completed.
Today also marks the birthday of our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. While Lincoln was remembered for overcoming many challenges, he also knew that public will was essential for change. He said, “With public sentiment, nothing can fail; without it nothing can succeed.” Learning about the accident and leading the public sentiment – that will be the legacy of the loved ones of Colgan 3407.
NTSB Safety Compass Blog 
Reblogged this on Ronald Grey and commented:
We have not yet begun to succeed – join me http://RonaldGrey.com/JoinMe
Thank you Debbie for all your kindness and help these past four years. You have no idea how much that has meant to me and the entire 3407 family. We so appreciate all you and the entire NTSB staff has done on our behalf and for all our loved one list.
When I walked into the room where we had a small memorial service for our loved ones, and seen our congressmen, senators and our friends at the NTSB I was very humbled and overwhelmed at the same time. Thank you again for making the 4th anniversary of the loss of our lived one a memorable one.