The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

July 29, 2009

Capito co-sponsors airline safety bill

From Staff Reports

A proposed airline safety bill aimed at enhancing pilot training and screening procedures was offered Wednesday by Rep. Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., with bipartisan support.

Capito said the measure was inspired by the February crash of a Colgan Air flight near Buffalo, N.Y.

Another feature of the bill would set up an air carrier safety and pilot training task force to suggest best safety practices and monitor airline implementation.

“Many of these changes are long overdue,” Capito said.

“It’s important that we hold our airlines accountable for safety, but we can also provide guidance and support to help improve standards across the board. If something is working for one airline, it can probably work for others. This bill tries to connect those dots and bring them together.”

Another key feature is a proposed mandate that Internet-based ticketing agencies disclose the air carrier serving each segment of the flight.

Capito explained this component was drawn out of concern that passengers on Flight 3407 bought tickets for a Continental Airlines flight, when the route actually was operated by Colgan Air.

“West Virginia is served heavily by regional carriers,” Capito said.

“And we want to make sure that they’re meeting the same safety and training standards as the national carriers.”

Text Only
Local News