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Washington, DC -- U.S. Rep. Ron Klein continued his efforts to improve the quality of air travel in South Florida Friday by urging the Deputy Administrator for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to respond to a previous letter Klein wrote last month asking the FAA to look into over-scheduling problems at Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL). So far, the FAA has not responded to Klein’s previous letter.
In the letter, Klein discussed his concerns surrounding the high number of runway collisions that are occurring at FLL airport. Klein asked the FAA to provide him information concerning any enhanced and improved markings they’ve made to the airport, and what effect the planned runway expansion at FLL will have on the FAA’s strategy to reduce runway incursions.
The text of Klein’s letter to the FAA Deputy Administrator is below (and the original version is attached).
October 26, 2007
Robert A. Sturgell
Deputy Administrator
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
800 Independence Avenue, SW
Washington, DC 20591
Dear Deputy Administrator Sturgell:
On September 26, 2007, I wrote to your office requesting the flight schedules for Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) to assist in determining whether there is an over-scheduling problem. We believe that is important in understanding the problem since any potential delays could add to the increasing burdens of air travel and negatively impact South Florida’s economy.
In my letter, I cited either October 18 or a date to be determined by your office as a reasonable time for a reply. As of this date, my office has yet to hear back regarding my request.
As an addendum to my previous request, I am also inquiring about a very grave matter that has come to my attention. The FAA recently listed Ft. Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) as one of 20 airports in the U.S. with the most potential for runway incursions. The FAA goes on to cite a terrifying example that happened at FLL on July 11, involving a Delta jet that nearly collided with a United Airlines jet that was taxiing on the runway. The two planes were carrying a total of 300 passengers. I am sure you will agree that an actual collision and/or near miss are unacceptable situations.
To this end, I understand the FAA, in cooperation with the airline industry and labor unions, has initiated several measures to decrease runway incursions, including more detailed air traffic instructions, better pilot training, and voluntary upgrades of runway markings, which the FAA originally required by June 30, 2008. As of October 22, 52 of the 75 largest airports have completed the new, enhanced markings.
Because Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport is in my Congressional district, I would like to know the status of the enhanced runway markings at this airport. Furthermore, I would like to know to what effect the planned runway expansion at FLL will have on the FAA’s strategy to reduce runway incursions, both during the construction period, which may leave FLL with one functional runway, and after completion when FLL will be utilizing the new elevated runway.
I trust my inquiry will be met with all due haste and look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Ron Klein
Member of Congress
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