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December 2, 2008 7:03:11 AM CST

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Washington Vows Better Airline Safety

Posted Apr 18, 08 9:06 PM CDT in US,  Business 

(Newser) – Today Washington vowed to beef up airplane inspections and demanded to know why American Airlines stranded 250,000 travelers last week, the AP reports. "No one at all was well served by what happened," US Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said. But she defended federal regulators, saying they did not overreact after learning of lax inspections on Southwest Airlines planes last month.

Peter said her plan includes notifying FAA headquarters when local inspectors miss routine checks. Senator Chuck Schumer applauded the move, but questioned whether the FAA “could devote the resources and manpower to get it done right.” Teamsters president James Hoffa was less generous: “The real problem is there aren't enough FAA inspectors," he said, and called the plan “window dressing.”

Source Associated Press

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American Airlines flight crew members walk under company jets at LaGuardia Airport.   (AP Photo/Frances Roberts)
American Airlines Captain Alan Hofeldt stands inside of the main terminal at Lambert International airport, Tuesday, April 15, 2008 in St. Louis.   (AP Photo/Tom Gannam)
Cucuiet Petru of Romania, checks the American Airlines departure board at O' Hare International Airport in Chicago, Friday, April 11, 2008.   (AP Photo/Paul Beaty)
Graphic shows flight cancellations for American Airlines.   (AP Photo)
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters, left, accompanied Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Acting Director Bobby Sturgell, speaks at the FAA in Washington, Friday, April 18, 2008.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
Transportation Secretary Mary Peters in an undated file photo.   (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite)
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American Airlines • FAA • airline safety • flight cancellation • inspection • regulations • Mary Peters


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