WASHINGTON, D.C. – The Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation today announced a corrected witness list for an Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee hearing on Aviation Safety Oversight to be held April 10, 2008, at 10:00 a.m. The witnesses are listed below.

Although the U.S. aviation industry is experiencing its safest period in history there have been a series of high-profile events that have raised concerns regarding the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) oversight of safety in the National Airspace System (NAS).  The FAA recently proposed fining Southwest Airlines $10.2 million for operating over 40 aircraft that had not received all required safety inspections. Subsequent FAA audits of maintenance records have resulted in a number of other air carriers grounding planes while they ensure their aircraft comply with safety regulations.  

In addition, there is continuing Congressional interest in other key safety issues, including runway incursions, operational errors and the FAA’s oversight of maintenance operations. This hearing will examine these safety issues, and the FAA’s implementation of the Air Transportation Oversight System (ATOS), the new systematic approach the agency has implemented to address safety oversight.

Aviation Safety Oversight Hearing

Aviation Operations, Safety, and Security Subcommittee
Date:  Thursday, April 10, 2008
Time:  10:00 a.m.
Location:  Room 253, Russell Senate Office Building