In a big win for families of Flight 3407 victims and their continued push for airline safety, the 1,500-hour pilot training requirement originally passed in 2010 will remain intact in the FAA Reauthorization Bill.
The House of Representatives passed the amendment to the bill late Wednesday night.
"Implementing and protecting flight safety measures has been a 14-year fight, but it is a fight worth taking on because it means safer skies for everyone and it prevents other families from enduring the loss and pain felt by the families of Flight 3407," said Congressman Brian Higgins. "I commend the families for their continued advocacy as well as our united bipartisan Western New York delegation and all members who saw the wisdom in supporting aviation standards which have proven to save lives."
Some airlines hoped to pass a version of the bill that would have allowed 150 of those hours to be done on a flight simulator. Wednesday night's vote eliminates that provision.
“This FAA reauthorization package includes a major victory for the Flight 3407 families who fought to protect the pilot training requirements put in place following the 2009 crash in Western New York,” Congressman Higgins added. “We were very close to seeing that progress weaken under the original bill. Thanks to their advocacy and the work of the Western New York delegation we have delivered legislation that not only maintains, but expands America’s gold standard of aviation safety.”
There has not been a fatal crash involving a U.S. airline since the 1,500-hour training rule was passed more than a decade ago.
The Families of Flight 3407 issued the following statement upon passage of amendment 5 to the House FAA Reauthorization bill:
"We would like to extend our deepest gratitude and appreciation to Representatives Brian Higgins, Nick Langworthy, and Claudia Tenney, as well as Senators Chuck Schumer, Tammy Duckworth, and Captain "Sully" Sullenberger, for their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts in preserving and upholding the highest safety standards in US commercial aviation.
We are immensely grateful for their strong advocacy and proactive stance in preventing any potential rollbacks to the current pilot qualification standards. Their dedication has been instrumental in ensuring that the House FAA Reauthorization bill does not compromise the safety and well-being of passengers and crew members alike.
Specifically, we thank Representatives Higgins, Langworthy, and Tenney for sponsoring this bipartisan amendment and their efforts in its passage. This critical amendment reinforces the value of real-world flight experience and acknowledges the vital role it plays in preparing pilots to navigate the complexities of our skies.
Furthermore, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to Senators Schumer and Duckworth for their steadfast support in safeguarding the pilot qualification standards. Their unwavering commitment to aviation safety and their continuous advocacy for passenger safety are truly commendable.
Finally, we express our sincere appreciation to Captain "Sully" Sullenberger, whose exceptional expertise and remarkable heroism has contributed to the betterment of aviation safety. We are grateful for his continuous involvement and safety focused dedication to promoting the highest standards of pilot training and qualifications.
As families who have experienced the devastating consequences of lax safety standards firsthand, we understand the importance of upholding the highest possible standards within the aviation industry. The efforts of Representatives Higgins, Langworthy, and Tenney, Senators Schumer and Duckworth, and Captain Sullenberger have reinforced our trust in the commitment of our elected officials and aviation professionals to do the right thing and prioritize safety above all else.
Together, we will continue to honor the memory of our loved ones by advocating for the highest safety standards in the aviation industry."