U.S. Senate to Convene Hearing on Rising Aviation Near-misses

Amidst growing concerns over a spate of near-miss incidents in aviation, the U.S. Senate Commerce Committee has announced a hearing to scrutinize the safety measures and operations of the Federal Aviation Administration’s air traffic control.

Scheduled for November 9, the hearing by the aviation subcommittee will feature testimonies from key aviation figures, including the head of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization, Tim Arel, NTSB Chair Jennifer Homendy, NATCA President Rich Santa, Air Line Pilots Association President Jason Ambrosi, and ex-FAA chief Randy Babbitt.

The focus will be on dissecting the alarming pattern of close encounters in the skies, which have prompted the NTSB to initiate seven inquiries just this year. Jennifer Homendy highlighted the severity of these incidents in a recent address, pointing out the risk posed to over 1,300 lives and the imperative for action before a tragedy occurs.

One stark incident in August involved a Southwest Airlines Boeing 737 and a Cessna business jet barely avoiding a collision in San Diego, a mistake attributed to an air traffic controller’s clearance mishap. A similar occurrence in Austin, Texas, earlier in February heightened the urgency for corrective measures.

The FAA, acknowledging the uptick in dangerous incidents, has committed to enhancing air traffic control operations amidst staffing challenges. Arel has openly recognized the problem, emphasizing the need for immediate improvement.

In tandem, Homendy has called for advanced technological solutions to avert runway mishaps, commending the White House’s funding efforts but also advocating for additional resources.

The FAA, actively seeking ways to mandate cockpit-alert technologies, has also set up a safety review team whose findings are anticipated later in the month, further informing the crucial discussions set to unfold in the Senate hearing.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, bing.com, reuters.com