Majority Statement

• Ted Stevens

  Senator
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  Majority Statement

  Ted Stevens

  Senator Stevens Statement:

   

  Thank you very much, Senator Burns.  I’m pleased that you’re holding this hearing.  I’m glad to see these witnesses here to discuss this topic.  I am glad to see you are here Ms. Blakey. We’ve discussed it a lot, the situation in Alaska.  Seventy percent of our cities can be reached only by air, year round, and we have to have a modern system for aviation safety not only for the people traveling but for medical evacuation processes by air.   When I first became Chairman of Appropriations, the first hearing that I held was in Alaska, on safety.  I’m delighted that the FAA has been a partner in really improving the situation in Alaska.  At that time, I found out that one out of every 11 pilots in our state was losing his or her life in commercial aviation.  I think that programs like Capstone and the Five Star Medallion program, which Administrator Blakey participated in, have really helped a great deal in bringing us new concepts of safety.  Now we may have to make sure that we have the planning to involve a new system and staying ahead of the game as we go.  I look forward to working with the Chairman and I’m delighted to take the time to hear you today.  Thank you.

Opening Remarks

• The Honorable Marion Blakey

  Administrator

  Federal Aviation Administration
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• Dr. Lisa Porter

  Associate Administrator for Aeronautics Research

  National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
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• David Dobbs

  Assistant Inspector General for Aviation

  U.S. Department of Transportation
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