WASHINGTON,
DC — The following opinion
piece by FAA associate administrator for Regulation and
Certification Nicholas Sabitini
appeared in this morning's issue of USA TODAY.
These words spoken at the
National Transportation Safety Board's hearing on the
tragic crash of Alaska Airlines Flight 261 bear repeating:
''Sound maintenance is the foundation of aviation
safety.'' Ensuring the safety of the nation's skies is a
responsibility shared by the entire aviation community.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is doing its
part under the Air Transportation Oversight System by
taking a comprehensive, robust approach to uncover the
root cause of problems and have the airlines correct them
before they lead to accidents.
Earlier this month, the agency mandated inspections and
records reviews of aircraft that have been in scheduled
service for at least 14 years. This action will extend a
safe lifespan of older aircraft. Today, FAA inspectors
have better tools to ensure airlines live up to their
responsibility. Today, FAA analysts mine raw, critical
safety data to spot troublesome trends within an airline's
safety
programs and to make
decisions that may save lives. And today, the FAA has the
geographic flexibility to move about as needed -- to have
the right people in the right place at the right time.
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We extend our heartfelt sympathy to the families of the
passengers and crew of Alaska 261. We know
all too well that airline safety does not tolerate
complacency, and the FAA is making continuous improvements
to the safety system. Unique software that allows
inspectors to prioritize airline-maintenance issues and to
develop action plans is being tested at one of the major
carriers and, once proven sound, will be deployed at the
others.
All of this activity is a mere snapshot of what the FAA
does to help thousands of airplanes fly millions of safe
miles each day.
The FAA is upfront in saying that improvements are needed
-- and are being undertaken. The NTSB and the Department
of Transportation's inspector general are on record saying
that these changes are on the right track. Ultimately,
however, we know we can't do it alone. We look to the
continued adherence, good faith and legal requirements of
the industry to ensure that sound maintenance remains the
foundation of safety. Nothing will ever supplant this
collective responsibility
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