The 'Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act' Is Still In Subcommittee

The International Brotherhood of Teamsters Airline Division, which represents 26 commercial cargo and passenger air carriers nationwide, endorses the House Aviation Subcommittee Chairman Jerry Costello's (D-IL) legislation, HR 3371, which would improve requirements for pilot hiring, training and duty time.

Chairman Costello and his staff drafted legislation based upon recommendations by the representatives of the Teamsters Airline Division, Coalition of Airline Pilots Associations, and the Air Line Pilots Associations. This solidarity of Union leadership is unprecedented. The requirement for an Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) license, more restrictive duty times to reduce fatigue and increased use of Aviation Safety Action Programs (ASAP) are just of few highlights of a bill that will undoubtedly increase safety and ensure that pilots are trained and qualified to the highest standards.

"Chairman Costello's commitment to seek the advice of the experts in aviation transportation including the pilots is a reflection on Chairman Costello's dedication to the safety of the traveling public," said Local 1224 President Joe Muckle. "The Airline Division and Local 1224 commend him for researching the issues and writing the legislation."

Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL)

"The Teamsters Airline Division and Local 1224 undertook the initiative to work with the subcommittee to protect the safety of the flying public, as well as the rights of our membership," said David Bourne, IBT Airline Division Director. "We had a voice in the process and view the legislation as a move in the right direction for industry safety."

FMI: www.teamster.org