Senators introduce new bill to improve airline safety

Today Sen. Frank Lautenberg (D-NJ) introduced a new bill called the Safety Improvement Act of 2008 to improve airline safety, and was joined by supporters Sen. Barbara Boxer (D-CA) and Sen. Robert Menendez (D-NJ). Patrick Forrey, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, and Transportation Trades Department President Ed Wytkind joined the senators to voice their support. The bill was described as an effort to improve runway safety and reduce risk of collision during take-off and landing, as well as ensure that airport first-responders are prepared to handle an emergency situation.

Lautenberg’s bill would require the Federal Aviation Administration to enact runway safety programs with oversight by the Government Accountability Office, authorize federal spending on airport improvements, and call for a thorough evaluation of current airport equipment and navigation technology.

Boxer said the bill would include a passenger’s bill of rights to help protect consumers from safety violations and extensive delays. Lautenberg said that delays are expected to increase by 60% this year, and runway incursions are expected to rise as well if current trends continue. Forey discussed the fatigue of traffic controllers, and said 6 out of 10 work mandatory overtime and thus are not adequately prepared to safely perform their jobs. All the speakers present also opposed President Bush’s nomination of Robert Sturgell as Acting Administrator of the FAA, citing his failure to improve aviation standards and conditions.