DOT, FAA, Other Cuts Could Adversely Affect Passenger And Crew Safety, Union Says

The Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) says that some of the cuts in President Trump's FY2018 budget request could have a negative impact on air travel and safety.

“The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) calls for a strong federal U.S. budget that holds paramount the safety of air transportation and acknowledges the vital role of aviation in our economy," said ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll (pictured), in a statement released to the media.
 
“President Trump’s FY2018 budget request includes significant cuts to the Department of Transportation (DOT). These cuts are of concern to ALPA pilots, as it is not clear whether the reductions could adversely affect U.S. passenger and crew safety or governmental agencies that regulate safety, including the DOT, the FAA, and the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration.
 
“Additionally, the budget seeks to eliminate discretionary funding for the Essential Air Service (EAS) program, which would result in a large decline in service to small towns and rural communities in the United States. The EAS program plays a vital role in ensuring every corner of the United States benefits from an interconnected air transportation system. ALPA supports such critical investment in small-community airline service because it helps create aviation jobs and keep America strong.
 
“The EAS program must be fully funded to ensure robust air service in small communities. While some special interests are lobbying to weaken airline safety standards as a means to lower costs, ALPA maintains that a commitment to one level of safety combined with a fully funded EAS program will ensure dependable and safe air service for passengers and cargo shippers in smaller U.S. communities, without rolling back safety regulations.
 
“The fact is that airlines make decisions on where to fly based on economics. No airline will volunteer to serve an unprofitable route, which is why the EAS program is so critical. Furthermore, safety must remain the number-one priority for our airspace, and the most fundamental factor in the safety of an aircraft is ensuring a qualified pilot is at the controls. ALPA has seen no proposal other than a strong EAS program that would result in sustained service to small communities.
 
“ALPA will continue to work with Congress and with the Trump administration to advance the safety and security of U.S. air transportation, protect a fair marketplace for U.S. aviation workers, and ensure that every community across the United States benefits from a safe air transportation system.”

(Source: ALPA news release. Image from file)

FMI: www.alpa.org