The traveling public has been very fortunate that despite the recent publicized lapses in safety inspections and maintenance, we are currently experiencing the safest period in the history of aviation.

Safety is the paramount consideration upon which our commercial aviation system was built. It should be the highest priority for air carriers and the core value for pilots. This single-minded focus on safety has served the U.S. aviation industry well. And it must always serve as the primary guide for all the decisions made by the FAA.

Unfortunately, the aviation industry’s safety reputation has been recently tarnished. Last year, this Committee’s hearing on the FAA’s oversight of repair stations raised significant questions about whether the agency has the ability and the resources necessary to keep track of the complex, global operations of many air carriers. 

Equally disturbing are the recent revelations that airlines have not complied with a number of airworthiness directives. Over the past two days, American Airlines was forced to cancel approximately 2,100 flights in order to re-inspect wiring on their MD-80 aircraft.  As a result of the incidents reported over the last few months, I have serious concerns about the FAA’s ability to maintain a vigilant safety oversight program. 

It is my hope that this hearing will provide us with a better understanding of how these recent lapses in safety occurred and what the FAA is doing about it. The Congress will not tolerate poor oversight of the safety of air travelers. 

As we proceed with the reauthorization of the FAA, we must ensure that Congress provides the agency with the resources necessary for effective oversight of our commercial aviation system. We must also consider what additional authorities may be necessary for the FAA to ensure that safety remains the hallmark of the U.S. aviation system. 

At the same time, the FAA must vigorously ensure that commercial air carriers are complying with their safety mandate in a thorough and timely manner.

The traveling public may be assured that this Committee will continue to monitor the FAA’s and the aviation industry’s efforts to improve on its safety record.