Quote of the Day
"The U.S. economy expanded at a faster clip than initially forecast in the third quarter, helped by more robust consumer spending and by stronger exports. The economy grew at a 2.5% annualized pace in the quarter, revised up from the initial estimate of 2.0%, the government said in its second estimate of quarterly gross domestic product. GDP growth was 1.7% during the second quarter.”
- Wall Street Journal’s MarketWatch, 11/23/2010
For Release: Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661
COSTELLO REACTS TO NTSB FINDINGS ON COLGAN/BUFFALO CRASH
Aviation Subcommittee Holding Hearing on FAA Call to Action Progress on February 4
Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL), Chairman of the House Aviation Subcommittee reacted today to the release of the National Transportation Safety Board’s (NTSB’s) final findings regarding the crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 near Buffalo, New York, last February.
“This was a terrible accident and my thoughts and prayers remain with the victims and their families on this difficult day. I commend the NTSB and Chairman Hersman for its efficient and diligent review of the causes of this crash. Last year, the Aviation Subcommittee moved quickly to examine the state of pilot training, particularly at regional airlines. Based on these hearings and meetings, we introduced H.R. 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009, in late July and the House passed it overwhelmingly in October. Our bill includes many of the NTSB’s recommendations and I look forward to enacting these changes into law.”
H.R. 3371 calls for enhanced pilot training procedures, including mandating that pilots are trained in stall recovery and upset recovery and receive remedial pilot training. Airlines are required to establish pilot mentoring programs. The bill also requires all first officers to have an Airline Transport Pilot license, which requires 1,500 flight hours, and creates a Pilot Records Database to provide airlines with fast, electronic access to a pilot’s record. In addition, H.R. 3371 directs the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to update and implement a new pilot flight and duty time rule and fatigue risk management plans to more adequately track scientific research in the field of fatigue.
The Aviation Subcommittee is holding a hearing on Thursday, February 4, at 10:00 a.m. to review the progress of the FAA’s Call to Action on pilot and aviation safety. Costello noted that FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt deserves a great deal of credit for being proactive and focusing attention on these issues, but that given the rule-making history on fatigue and other issues, legislation is necessary to enact these changes in a comprehensive and timely manner.
“As the one year anniversary of the crash approaches, we remain committed as ever to doing everything possible to prevent this from ever happening again,” stated Kevin Kuwik, a spokesman for the families of Flight 3407. “Congressman Costello has been a tremendous supporter of our efforts from Day One, and tomorrow's hearing is another example of his leadership in providing critical oversight of the FAA's efforts to address the issues related to the regional airlines, pilot qualifications, training and fatigue.”
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