Higgins, Slaughter, Reed, Schumer, Gillibrand keep pressure on FAA to meet deadlines for pilot training

Congressmembers, senators say deadly crashes serve as urgent reminder of need for reforms

Following two deadly airplane crashes, members of Western New York's federal delegation are calling on the Federal Aviation Administration to move quickly to finalize aviation safety rules requiring new pilot training standards.

"We are urging the FAA to work with expediency to finalize what has been a long, bureaucratic process of rule implementation prompted by the lessons we learned after the crash of Flight 3407," said Congressman Brian Higgins. "More than four years have passed since that tragic day and yet the wait continues for changes which will save lives."

"It is unconscionable that the FAA has not fully implemented the flight training rules that we passed in the aftermath of the Flight 3407 crash in Western New York," Rep. Louise Slaughter said. "The greatest way to honor those who were lost - as well as the victims' families who paid their own way to Washington many times to lobby for this legislation - is to work to prevent future tragedies. Our thoughts and prayers go out to the families of these victims, as does our solemn pledge to continue fighting for improvements to airline safety."

"The life-saving measures that Congress enacted in the Airline Safety Act were designed to prevent tragedies similar to Flight 3407, and the yet recent crashes in San Francisco and Alaska are tragic reminders that there is more work to do to accomplish one level of safety," said U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand "These are preventable disasters, and there must not be any further delay in action to implement these critical safety improvements."

"This is another unfortunate example of the need for the FAA to fully implement flight safety requirements, and do so as soon as possible," Rep. Tom Reed said. "We will not stop fighting for all victims and their families on this public safety issue. We do not need yet another fatal crash for the FAA to fully implement safety protections."

"The sooner we get these rules on the books, the better - that's why we're keeping our foot on the gas until these crucial new airline safety standards for pilot training are in place," U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer said. "The tragedy and lessons of Flight 3407 must make air travel safer, and we are urging that the FAA keep its word and get these regulations finalized on schedule."

On July 6, Asiana Airlines Flight 214 crashed while approaching San Francisco International Airport, resulting in two deaths and more than 160 people injured (of the 300-plus passengers on board). On July 7, an air taxi crashed at the Soldotna Airport in Alaska killing all 10 people on board. The National Transportation Safety Board sent a team to investigate both crashes.

While details are still emerging, initial reports indicate the Asiana pilot had limited experience flying a Boeing 777 and it may have been the first time he was landing this particular type of aircraft.

Working closely with Flight 3407 families, the Western New York delegation pushed for, and in 2010 Congress approved, sweeping new aviation safety requirements for pilots and airlines, which included new transparencies for regional carriers, increased training for pilots and new policies to protect against pilot fatigue.

The delegation said a number of deadlines for rule implementation required under the Airline Safety Act were previously missed, delaying important safety provisions. The Congressmembers want to make sure all upcoming deadlines are met. A rule requiring 1,500 hours of flight training for co-pilots is due Aug. 1. Another rule requiring additional simulator training on stall situations for pilots is due in October.

Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed on approach to the Buffalo Niagara International Airport on Feb. 12, 2009, killing all on board and one inside a home. Pilot training and fatigue were cited as factors in the crash.