FAA establishes pilot records database in wake of Flight 3407 crash
The
The agency hopes to eventually include airline records and state driving records in the database, but the test-run version will immediately allow airlines -- at the touch of a button -- to check federal records that they previously had to get from the
"This is a common-sense resource that will allow airlines to quickly and easily check the qualifications and background of pilots before they are hired," said Rep.
Collins called the release of the database "a reflection of the significant progress that has been made to make sure all pilots are well-trained and fit to fly so that we can keep preventing senseless tragedies."
"This is a really big step," said Kuwik, who discussed the new database in a conference call with
If such a database had been in place a decade ago, it's quite possible that
Renslow failed three federal "check rides" before
"Had we known what we know now, he would not have been in that seat,"
Some 50 people died in that
Short-term
Establishing such a pilot record database was one of the Flight 3407 families' priorities in the aviation safety law they pushed to passage in 2010, but it's the last major piece of the law to start to take shape.
That's because all the other major pieces of the bill -- calling for stronger rules on pilot rest, training and experience -- gave the
The pilot records database didn't come with such a deadline, and despite the test version released Thursday, it's still not complete. The
"We're probably looking at getting that implemented sometime in 2019 if everything were to go the right way," Kuwik said.
Lawmakers who pushed for passage of the Flight 3047 aviation safety legislation unanimously agreed, though, that the
"This new system will be a useful tool in the recruitment of qualified pilots and is the latest airline safety measure made possible thanks to the tireless efforts of the families whose lives have been forever changed by the crash of Flight 3407," said Rep.
Through the pilot records database, commercial airlines will be able to see any records that the
Now, though, the new database is open to any commercial airline that chooses to use it, allowing for quick access to records that was not readily available before.
"The pilot records database will streamline the hiring process and will be an important tool for maintaining accurate records of pilot training and qualifications," said Senate Minority Leader
Rep.
"The families of the Flight 3407 victims deserve the credit for making the database a reality," he said. "We are proud to support this group and their efforts to make our skies safer for all."
Rep.
"It is because of their advocacy that we passed into law new pilot safety standards and we haven't seen another fatal regional airline crash since," Slaughter said.
Trump nominee for safety board knocks Flight 3407 safety rule
___
(c)2017 The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.)
Visit The Buffalo News (Buffalo, N.Y.) at www.buffalonews.com
Distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC.
BRIEF: Lockport Council refuses to make mayor pay for health insurance
Usage Based Auto Insurance – The Main Benefits of Telematics
Advisor News
Annuity News
Health/Employee Benefits News
Life Insurance News