For Release: Monday, December 19, 2005
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

COSTELLO STATEMENT ON OBERSTAR/DOT IG REPORT REGARDING THE USE OF NONCERTIFICATED REPAIR FACILITIES

Washington - U.S. Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) issued the following statement regarding a recently released report by the Inspector General (IG) of the U.S. Department of Transportation that says an increasing amount of scheduled airline maintenance is being performed at non-certificated repair facilities.  Congressman James Oberstar (D-MN) requested and released the report.  Costello is the Ranking Democrat on the House Aviation Subcommittee:

"I believe the American flying public will be shocked to learn that critical airline maintenance is being handled by non-certificated shops, and that the Federal Aviation Administration is unaware of the extent of this practice.  Oversight is obviously lacking and the entire system needs a thorough review.  I am concerned that the use of non-certificated facilities, both foreign and domestic, will increase as more work is outsourced.  Safety must not be compromised in an effort to save money, and I am talking with the Chairman of the Subcommittee to schedule a hearing on the IG's report." 

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