Despite pressure from the aviation industry it looks like congress will finally pass a long-term bill that will keep pilot safety rules as they are.
The current FAA Reauthorization bill runs out at the end of September and the word from the hill is that both parties have finally agreed to pass a new bill that won't run out every year, but will be in effect for a 5 year term.
Members of the Flight 3407 Family Group were successful in getting pilot safety training rules changed after the crash of Continental flight 3407 in Clarence Center in 2009. Each year the aviation industry has tried to get those rules rolled back, claiming they were causing a pilot shortage.
Family members and elected leaders now say both houses appear to have agreed to a long-term deal and it could be voted on this week.
“Without continued vigilance, we risk an unraveling of the great progress made in flight safety for all passengers thanks to the tireless advocacy by the families of Flight 3407,” said Congressman Brian Higgins. “We are pushing for the final bill approved this week to maintain the flight safety standards these families fought for and protect the flying public for years to come.”
Congressman Tom Reed added, “We will always remember the tragedy which took the lives of so many in the crash of Flight 3407 and will continue to honor their memory and stand with their family and friends to fight to ensure these enhanced flight safety regulations are reauthorized. We must not back down and lessen these important reforms.”
The flight 3407 crash killed 50 people on the plane, including an unborn baby, and one person on the ground.
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