Aviation Safety
The tragic 2009 crash of Continental Connection Flight 3407 in Western New York highlighted glaring weaknesses in our nation’s aviation safety regulations. Working with the Families of Flight 3407 and the Western New York Congressional delegation, Brian was a strong voice for the passage of critical reforms to make our skies safer. After the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Extension Act of 2010 was signed into law, Brian fought to ensure that the Federal Aviation Administration implemented a number of aviation safety reforms in the areas of pilot fatigue and pilot and crewmember training requirements in full and on time. Brian continues to honor those lost in the crash and the hard work of their families in the wake of the crash by supporting efforts to make the skies safer for the flying public.
More on Aviation Safety
Today, U.S. Senators Charles E. Schumer and Kirsten Gillibrand, as well as Representatives Brian Higgins, Louise Slaughter, Chris Collins and Tom Reed joined together in Washington, D.C., with the families of Flight 3407 to kick off their advocacy efforts around the upcoming FAA Reauthorization Bill. Together, they announced their push to make sure that the aviation safety regulations the families fought so hard to pass – including rules on pilot training and fatigue – are not rolled back or watered down as part of the reauthorization negotiations.
In a letter to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Administrator Michael Huerta Congressmembers Brian Higgins, Louise Slaughter, Chris Collins and Tom Reed are calling on the FAA to maintain the more rigorous pilot training requirements recently implemented despite pleas by some in the airline industry to relax qualifications.
The First Session of the 113th Congress commences January 3rd, 2013.