Washington, DC – Statement of U.S. Rep. John L. Mica (R-FL), Republican Leader of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, on the status of H.R. 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act:
“As one of the original authors and prime sponsors of the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act, I strongly support the provisions in the bill. Unfortunately, representatives of the Families of Flight 3407 did not have accurate information relating to my position and I have reiterated to them my commitment to and continuing efforts to improve the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act.
“I have been working with other Members during the past several weeks to ensure that the very strongest provisions for pilot qualifications are included in the bill. This has been and will continue to be a bipartisan effort with the goal to pass the bill as soon as possible. We are currently receiving technical input and assistance from the FAA, the aviation industry, and pilots to ensure the best quality pilot training requirements are included in the final legislation.
“Even with a requirement for 1,500 flight hours, which I support, the quality of the training received, both in the cockpit and in the classroom, is of equal importance. Just like in the case of Colgan Flight 3407, where the pilot had a total flight time of 3,379 hours and the first officer had 2,244 hours of total pilot time, it is not the quantity of hours alone that matters, but also the quality of the training received.
“H.R. 3371 calls for all flight crew members to receive 1,500 hours of flight time and an air transport pilot (ATP) certificate. I am working to ensure that quality training is both required and given due consideration so that the public is assured of the level of training in the cockpit.”
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