The devastating loss of life  caused by the crash of Flight 3407 in Buffalo – and the crash of Flight 446 from Brazil to France – are chilling horrific reminders that there is nothing more important in aviation than the safety of all passengers.

 

As the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) continues to investigate the causes of the Buffalo crash, we in Congress absolutely must do all we can to make certain our aviation system is as safe as possible.

 

Today, we seek to take a hard look at the safety of our aviation system, gain a better understanding of the events leading up to the crash, and discuss more ways we can improve safety for all.

 

Prior to becoming Chairman of the Full Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation in the 111^th Congress, I was the Chairman or Ranking Member of the Aviation Subcommittee for more than a decade. 

 

I was in this Committee in the mid 1990’s when a series of airline accidents led the federal government to seek “one level of safety” for commercial aviation in the United States – something I fought very hard for.  At that time a commitment was made to all air travelers, whether they were boarding an air carrier at the largest airport in New York, or the smallest in my home state of West Virginia, that safety would be consistent throughout the aviation system.  I strongly believe that all airline passengers in our country deserve and should expect to have this mandate met.

               

While the safety of the air transportation network has increased dramatically since the 1990’s, the crash of Flight 3407 reminds us that there is much more work to do - we cannot afford to be complacent. 

 

The aviation industry has changed rapidly in recent years, and the federal government must keep pace.  Airlines have struggled with their business models, workers have felt the overwhelming effects of cost cutting, and the use of commuter air carriers has increased exponentially.

 

I am proud to say that at long last, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is making progress in modernization efforts that will fundamentally transform the air traffic control system – an effort commonly referred to as NextGen.

 

We know that NextGen modernization efforts will address the expected growth in passenger traffic, provide increased safety and security, and offer environmental and economic benefits – and we know these reforms must happen now. 

 

As the FAA moves forward on NextGen, I believe it is imperative that we also conduct a comprehensive review of the federal airline safety regime.  Congress must always make sure we are living up to the promise of one level of safety as we monitor the ever changing airline industry – and not just when tragedy happens.  This must be an ongoing aggressive non-partisan effort.

 

I am pleased the FAA is moving forward to bring key stakeholders together to begin a dialogue on this matter.  Action cannot wait.

 

America has always had the premier aviation system in the world and it is vital to the economic future of our nation that we maintain our proud reputation. 

 

Preserving the public trust in the system means that safety must always be the paramount goal of all aviation professionals.  The time is now – the people are counting on us. 

 

 

 

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