I understand one of the top six recommendations of NTSB is a requirement that all turboprop aircraft be flown--hand-flown during icing conditions

I think that's exactly the right answer, and I appreciate your candor.

We are very grateful for that, and I am very grateful to the Committee Members who helped me get the appropriations in the Appropriations Act to do that.

I was very impressed with our meeting before your confirmation, and I appreciate your taking on this responsibility.

Should there be some requirements on the time in the air, whether you're flying as a passenger to get to the flight that you're going to fly as a pilot or a co-pilot?

we're going to suggest that they need their seasoned safety folks mentor some of the younger pilots

There seems to be some gap. This type of thing doesn't go on at the major carriers.

if you have two pilots in a plane that crashed, both of whom commuted within the same 24 hours to get to the flight

This is the ultimate taking of weapons and turning them into plow shares.

There is a disproportionate closure of rural dealerships, at least that's the way it appears to me.

The dealers are not a liability, they are an asset, and I really don't understand the pervasiveness of the closures that are taking place.

I think it is important for us to remain competitive and stay ahead, critically in the best interest of this country.