Says There Has Been As 'Series Of Small Plane Crashes' And Wants More Oversight

U.S. Senator Charles Schumer (D-NY) wants new york pilots to undergo more ramp checks.

During a media event in Farmingdale, NY Monday, Schumer called on the FAA to step up ramp checks of small airplanes, which he says might prevent accidents.

According to the Senator, the number of ramp checks on GA aircraft in New York has fallen over the past 10 years from 2,800 to 748. And, he says as the number of inspections has declined, "Long Island has been plagued with a series of small airplane crashes."

The Long Island Business News reports that while Schumer admitted that there may be no connection between the decrease in ramp checks and the increase in accidents, he said the FAA should conduct more ramp checks, mainly at GA airports, to get a better handle on unsafe actions by pilots. “By conducting additional ramp inspections, the FAA can do its part in helping to ensure the safety of our skies and neighborhoods,"Schumer said.

(Image from file)

FMI: www.schumer.senate.gov