The US’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is taking increased flak for its oversight of airlines, according to various sources.
For example, both Dept. of Transportation Inspector General Calvin Scovel and a House of Representatives committee detailed “cozy” relationships between inspectors and airlines.
The two sources also cited pervasive “dysfunction” and “regulatory abuse” at a regional office and “a disconnect” between its Washington headquarters and day-to-day field operations.
Associate Administrator-Aviation Safety Nicholas Sabatini conceded at a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing that the agency’s “customer service initiative” and “voluntary disclosure” program were interpreted in an “unacceptable” way at its Dallas office.
Inspectors were accused of “lax overnight†of Southwest Airlines.
“The events at Southwest Airlines and the actions of inspectors represent a serious breakdown,” Mr Scovel said. He added that led to critical safety lapses.
“I’m here to report that more than one FAA inspector looked the other way for years,†Bobby Boutris, an inspector, told the House panel.
Meanwhile, the Business Travel Coalition (BTC) published survey results regarding aircraft maintenance, outsourcing and FAA oversight that show a deepening concern over the safety of US airlines.
“Against recent FAA and airline industry safety revelations, passengers are less willing to fly, have skipped recent flights and plan to avoid air travel in the future,†said BTC.
â€Concern regarding passenger safety and homeland security is driving a strong desire for additional maintenance-related consumer information to assist passengers in choosing an airline on which to travel,†the agency added.
By :David Wilkenin
