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Washington Vows Better Airline Safety

Teamsters prez blasts plan as 'window dressing'

By Harry Kimball, Newser Staff

Posted Apr 18, 2008 9:06 PM CDT

(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.”

American Airlines flight crew members walk under company jets at LaGuardia Airport. (AP Photo/Frances Roberts)

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)

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)

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Washington Vows Better Airline Safety

Teamsters prez blasts plan as 'window dressing'

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FAA • American Airlines • airline safety • inspection • Mary Peters • flight cancellation • regulations

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FAA Investigates American After Rocky Landings

Spate of incidents puts airline on the hot seat

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Move saves 55 lbs. per flight for carrier that stays near shore

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Washington Vows Better Airline Safety

Teamsters prez blasts plan as 'window dressing'

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OTHER STORIES ON OUR RADAR

FAA • American Airlines • airline safety • inspection • Mary Peters • flight cancellation • regulations

MOST POPULAR STORIES

[ By Views ]

[ By Comments ]

More Newser Stories

FAA: Pilots Can Use iPads ... During Takeoff, Landing

But lowly passengers? No such luck

American Airlines Faces Record $24.2M Fine

FAA says it didn't correct faulty wiring

FAA Investigates American After Rocky Landings

Spate of incidents puts airline on the hot seat

FAA Says Airport Computer Glitch Fixed

System broke down in both Atlanta and Salt Lake City

Canadian Airline Loses Life Vests to Save Fuel

Move saves 55 lbs. per flight for carrier that stays near shore

About Us

Site

Newser By Users

Community

Site Maps

Tools

More News

What is Newser?