Lawmaker Sees Lower Air Safety Margin, Cites FAA

The chairman of a congressional subcommittee concerned with airline safety complained today that conditions for air traffic controllers have deteriorated because the Federal Aviation Administration has failed to hire and adequately train workers.

Rep. James L. Oberstar (D-Minn.) would not directly criticize the FAA but insisted that “it’s the FAA’s responsibility to maintain the system.”

When asked on “CBS Morning News” whether it is safe to fly, Oberstar said, “It’s safe, but the margin of safety is diminishing.

“There are some 1,200 to 1,500 controllers--experienced, seasoned personnel--who are planning to retire because they can’t take the stress,” he said. “The system is going to get worse, not better, unless the FAA acts now.”

Bogged Down in Red Tape

Oberstar said FAA oversight of airline traffic has become bogged down in bureaucratic red tape since 1981 when all striking air traffic controllers were fired by President Reagan. Before the strike, he said the 16,000 controllers were overworked and stressed.

“The FAA has not rebuilt the system” as the Administration had promised, he said. Computer equipment has not been installed and personnel are not being trained “to make our air traffic system the safest as it can be.”

“We have 5% more traffic overall nationwide, more (in) the 22 most congested airports in the country,” and, he said, fewer controllers.

“They are working excessive overtime, six-day work weeks with inadequate leave policies, poor supervision and they are beginning to show cracks in the system.”