The Hill - Lauren Irwin
An independent panel blames the rising risks of flying on the “recurring gridlock” and politically motivated government shutdowns in Congress.
The panel conducted a review of the internal structure of the Air Traffic Organization and provided recommendations for the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to improve its safety approach after investigations found “an increase in the most serious type of runway incursions” from earlier this year.
In its report, the National Airspace System Safety Review Team said many of the issues — including process integrity, staffing, facilities, equipment and technology — all stem from “inadequate or inconsistent funding.”
The report places blame on Congress for strings of government shutdowns and funding instability that make it harder for the FAA to do its job and “contribute to increased safety risks.”
