Congresswoman Warns FAA on Eastern: Shortages of...

Congresswoman Warns FAA on Eastern: Shortages of staff and spare parts could be hampering strike-crippled Eastern Airlines’ ability to maintain its fleet properly, the head of a House subcommittee on transportation has told the Federal Aviation Administration. Although it is clear that Eastern has suffered staffing problems, the letter from Rep. Cardiss Collins (D-Ill.), raised the question of whether the few planes still flying are receiving proper care. The FAA recently investigated Eastern but has remained silent about its findings. The subcommittee staff has reviewed internal company documents indicating that “manpower and parts shortages continue to plague the maintenance function of Eastern,” Collins said.