Which of the following is a primary focus of the NTSB?

The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) has a primary focus on promoting aviation safety through thorough investigation of aviation accidents and incidents. This involves analyzing the causes of accidents, identifying safety issues, and making recommendations to prevent future occurrences. The NTSB plays a critical role in enhancing safety by conducting detailed investigations and publishing reports that contribute to the understanding of safety deficiencies and best practices in aviation.

By prioritizing the investigation process, the NTSB ensures that thorough and systematic assessments are conducted, which aid in uncovering the factors that lead to aviation accidents. This knowledge is essential for developing regulations and guidelines that improve aviation safety standards, thus ultimately protecting the lives of passengers and crew.

In contrast, the other options focus on different aspects of aviation but do not align with the NTSB's primary mission. Issuing pilot licenses, regulating flight school operations, and conducting air traffic control training are functions managed by other organizations, such as the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), rather than the NTSB. This distinction clarifies that while those areas are important to aviation, they do not reflect the central aim of the NTSB as it seeks to promote safety through investigative efforts.