You know, there are lots of questions about how we can get information about the metrics that you used to evaluate what funding you recommend.

I think that decision was the correct one at the time, and I think it remains correct, that the FAA needs to be the principal enforcer.

But, Mr. Cohen, I'm asking what your--is it the case that we're hiring pilots to put in the cockpit of commercial airplanes and paying them $22-23,000 a year?

I want to invite the folks that run the carriers, themselves, to come to that table.

We must learn from accidents so we can prevent future occurrence.

But, with very different levels of skill and experience. Do you agree?

If we do not implement critical safety changes before then, and another accident occurs, we can only blame ourselves.

The actual transcript is of a copilot that appears to me to have had minimum training in icing conditions.

I'm--I don't ascribe that to the FAA, except to say that I've had a bellyful of enforcement requirements by certain agencies that have completely neglected the opportunity or the requirement to do so.

One thing is certain about this country, we are all pretty mobile, we rely on a transportation system that is modern and safe and reliable.

We can confidently assert that virtually all of our substantial aircraft maintenance is conducted by or under the direct supervision of certificated FAA repair stations in the U.S. or approved maintenance organizations in Canada.

It's very important to our country, very important to all regions of our country. And we want it to be made as safe as is possible.

I think that we could have greater enforcement.

Thank you for your time. And I'm open, also, to answering questions.

We do not have one level of safety.

This is the second hearing that we have held this month to discuss the subject of aviation safety.

I think the tragic crash in Buffalo, New York, has activated a lot of interest in asking questions.

I do want to say, as well, as we start this hearing, that I had intended and wished to have representatives of the carriers themselves at a hearing.