If you do
Beforehand agree with the reporter what questions will be asked, even suggest points that you want raised (don't forget that they may have no idea about aviation - use this as a way of getting points across)
Take time to answer and think through what you are going to say before you open your mouth. Don't be rushed!
If asked additional questions, either refuse to answer or take time to think it through.
Don't, whatever happens, lose your cool
Try and get some idea of what sort of story the reporter is after (local papers can, often, be less inclined to sensationalism - get some idea by reading the paper & other articles by the same reporter)
Our local paper once published a story about me containing some errors and missing some pertinent facts. A complaint to the editor ended up with the agreed text of a letter for the "letters" page, an explanaition and a correction to the story.
As far as you can you set the place & time
Stick to what happened not WHY
Don't make statements like "I should" "I forgot" "I made and error" - you get the point
Use the AAIB report as an indication - they do not, usually, apportion blame!
Don't use hindsight "If I had done this" etc.
You are doing them a favour, not the other way round
Last edited by west lakes; 21st Jul 2009 at 18:56.