NTSB hearing focuses on air races, shows WASHINGTON, Jan. 11 (UPI) -- Regulations governing U.S. air shows are stricter than those in other countries and don't need major revisions, federal regulators and organizers said. Show officials said during the National Transportation Safety Board hearing Tuesday that U.S. rules require more distance between aerobatic aircraft and audiences than regulations in most nations, CNN reported. "We are by far the most conservative nation," said John Cudahy, president of the International Council of Air Shows. The NTSB, which scheduled the hearing in response to the Reno, Nev., air show crash in September in which 11 people died, indicated it would eventually recommend changes, particularly for races. The board said it wanted to see if the accidents shared anything in common. Performers are assuming a certain level of risk. We understand that," said NTSB Chairwoman Deborah A.P. Hersman. But when spectators come to an event, they are coming to be entertained. And they don't expect to be in a situation where their lives are at risk. CNN said the NTSB wants to focus on four areas: Whether the Federal Aviation Administration should beef up its oversight. Whether show pilots should meet more rigorous medical standards because of stress associated with aerobatic flight. Whether audiences should be situated further from planes performing stunts. Whether the FAA should certify the show "air bosses," who direct air operations during shows. Currently, the FAA reviews and certifies race and air show plans, but delegates responsibility to non-organizations to inspect aircraft, verify the pilots' abilities and provide air traffic control services for the events, CNN said. FAA inspectors attend nearly all of the shows, monitoring operations and could halt dangerous activity if necessary.