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Flight Chaos to Continue as FAA Gets Tough

Crackdown will continue through June 30

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 10, 2008 9:54 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Air travelers should brace themselves for several more months of chaos: the wave of FAA audits that began March 30, producing more than 2,000 canceled flights this week, will continue through June 30. In an effort to toughen enforcement of safety standards, the agency has moved to relying less on data provided by the airline themselves and more on on-site inspections, the Wall Street Journal reports.

Embarrassed by the disclosure that some FAA managers let Southwest Airlines fly planes overdue for safety checks, the FAA has also reassigned supervisors and announced an overhaul of how it handles disagreements between inspectors and their managers. “We desire that this not be a system where there’s leeway,” an FAA spokeswoman tells the Journal.

Stranded travelers receive assistance at an American Airlines ticket counter following several flight cancellations by the airline March 18, 2008.
Stranded travelers receive assistance at an American Airlines ticket counter following several flight cancellations by the airline March 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/Tony Gutierrez)
Airline passengers watch for flight delays on the monitors throughout LaGuardia Airport.
Airline passengers watch for flight delays on the monitors throughout LaGuardia Airport.   (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Youngsters take some rest as they wait for news of a delayed flight.
Youngsters take some rest as they wait for news of a delayed flight.   (AP Photo/Matt Dunham)
Crowds of passengers wait in line at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Wednesday April 9, 2008.
Crowds of passengers wait in line at O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, Wednesday April 9, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Passengers wait at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, Wednesday, April 9, 2008. American Airlines canceled 850 flights, more than a third its schedule, as it spent a second day inspecting wiring.
Passengers wait at Chicago's O'Hare Airport, Wednesday, April 9, 2008. American Airlines canceled 850 flights, more than a third its schedule, as it spent a second day inspecting wiring.   (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
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If you have to fly, some tips
New York Times

American canceled 900 flights yesterday
Associated Press

 
FAA • airline industry • safety • American Airlines • airline safety • airline delays • safety testing

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