Nick Langworthy: “Today is a great day for public safety. I thank my colleagues for passing my amendment in this year's FAA…”

“Today is a great day for public safety. I thank my colleagues for passing my amendment in this year's FAA reauthorization package. Fourteen years ago, we tragically lost 49 lives when Colgan Air Flight 3407 crashed near Buffalo in Clarence, New York, due to pilot inexperience. This prompted Congress then to strengthen requirements for pilots to ensure that something like this never happens again--and it has worked. Since then, there has not been a single commercial airline crash in the United States of America. One of those enhanced safety measures required 1,500 hours of in-air training for pilots. The rigorous training and practice gained during those hours ensure that pilots are well-prepared to handle emergencies, adverse weather conditions, and any unforeseen challenges that might arise during flight. Our amendment protected the integrity of the 1,500-hour flight requirement to maintain the safety standards that passengers and crews have come to expect. I am grateful for the support of Representatives Higgins and Tenney, and all of my colleagues who stood behind the 1500-hour rule and this year's FAA reauthorization package. More importantly, I am proud to honor the memory of those tragically lost on Flight 3407 and the families that have fought for these standards. ____________________”