Calls For Final Implementation Of Key Safety And Security Enhancements Passed In 2018 FAA Reauthorization

In testimony this week before the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s aviation subcommittee, ALPA officials discussed the need to implement important, much needed, safety and security measures that were passed in last year’s reauthorization of the FAA.

One cost-effective security enhancement mandated by Congress is the instillation of secondary flight deck barriers. In the reauthorization, Congress called for the FAA to issue a rule mandating these barriers for all newly manufactured passenger aircraft by October 5, 2019.

“A few weeks ago, the United States recognized the 18th anniversary of the attacks of 9/11. Mandating the installation of secondary flight deck barriers is one of the most important and cost-effective security enhancements identified after the attacks,” testified Capt. Bob Fox, ALPA’s first vice president and national safety coordinator. “However, rather than issuing the order as Congress intended, the FAA has bowed to a blatant stall tactic promoted by special interests and created an Aviation Rulemaking Advisory Committee that has now requested more study. We have the data. We know what works. It’s time to implement the law.”

Other items passed in the legislation also waiting for final implementation are the automatic acceptance of voluntary safety reports obtained through the Aviation Safety Action Program and an update to the FAA’s requirement for airline pilots to wear oxygen masks above certain altitudes.

“Frankly, we are deeply dismayed by the lack of follow-though. We know that, for our passengers, crews, and shippers, every day of delay is one too many,” added Capt. Fox.

(Source: ALPA news release)

FMI: www.alpa.org