Washington, D.C. – The following is from the opening statement of U.S. Rep. Tom Petri (R-WI), Aviation Subcommittee Ranking Member, from today’s hearing on the Federal Aviation Administration’s Call to Action to help address airline safety and pilot training issues raised by recent regional airline accidents.
Watch Rep. Petri’s statement on YouTube.
“While statistically, U.S. commercial aviation is very safe, accidents remind us that there are improvements that still may be made and that there are lessons to be learned from these tragic losses.
“As the families of the victims of Flight 3407 remind us, we can and must do everything in our power to ensure that what happened on the day they lost their loved ones must never happen again. I believe that we are all committed to that shared goal.
“In the aftermath of the tragic loss of Continental Flight 3407 on February 12, 2009, this subcommittee explored many issues related to safety of the airline system, with special emphasis on regional air carriers. In addition, Mr. Costello, Mr. Mica, Mr. Oberstar, and I introduced the bipartisan Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009 to address the critical safety issues considered at our hearing.
“At roughly the same time, the Federal Aviation Administration launched a Call to Action on air carrier safety. I am interested in learning about the ongoing regulatory efforts at the FAA to address pilot training, record availability, professionalism, and fatigue. Additionally, we will explore what improvements can be put in place to improve air carrier hiring practices and training oversight.
“I especially want to thank Mr. Loftus who is here testifying on behalf of the Families of Continental Flight 3407. I appreciate your and the other family members’ insights and contributions to the discussion of how to best improve aviation safety. Your efforts here on Capitol Hill have been very helpful.
“In three of five recent fatal regional air carrier accidents, the National Transportation Safety Board cited pilot performance as a potential contributory factor. In Flight 3407, pilot performance seems to have played a role. I look forward to hearing from the Administrator and the pilot unions what specific actions they are taking to improve peer auditing and professional conduct.”
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