Source:RAA The Regional Airline Association joined 65 other aviation stakeholders in encouraging the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Committee to pass an FAA reauthorization bill that addresses the pilot shortage and improves and modernizes pilot training to enhance safety. “The pilot shortage is a devastating crisis and is resulting in hundreds of parked regional aircraft. However, regional airlines aren’t the only ones grappling with this crisis. Small communities across the country are dealing with the negative economic consequences of a loss of air service. Travelers are also facing higher airfare and loss of options, forcing them to drive to their destinations, which is a far less safe form of travel. Now is the time to act and advance solutions that [...]

Source: TSA Exceeds record of 6,542 firearms in 2022 During 2023, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) intercepted a total of 6,737 firearms at airport security checkpoints, preventing them from getting into the secure areas of the airport and onboard aircraft. Approximately 93% of these firearms were loaded. This total surpasses the previous year's record of 6,542 firearms stopped at checkpoints and represents the highest one-year total in TSA's history.  "We are still seeing far too many firearms at TSA checkpoints, and what's particularly concerning is the amount of them loaded, presenting an unnecessary risk to everyone at the TSA checkpoint," said TSA Administrator David Pekoske. "Firearms and ammunition are strictly prohibited in carry-on baggage. Passengers are only allowed to travel [...]

Source: US DOT Report highlights DOT efforts to improve safety, efficiency, and the strengthening of consumer protections for air travelers among others  The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) today released a report updating the public on the Biden-Harris Administration efforts to improve America's transportation infrastructure. The report includes updates on DOT's key priorities, including rail safety, strengthening consumer protections for air  travelers, and the implementation of the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL), among others. "We are delivering for the American people with the resources now available because President Biden's Bipartisan Infrastructure Law reversed decades of underinvestment in our transportation systems," said Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg. "The public placed great trust in DOT, and we are honoring that trust by making improvements [...]

Source: FAA The FAA has approved a method to comply with the FAA's Boeing 737-9 emergency airworthiness directive, and it has been provided to the affected operators. The FAA’s priority is always keeping Americans safe. In that spirit, Boeing 737-9 aircraft will remain grounded until operators complete enhanced inspections which include both left and right cabin door exit plugs, door components, and fasteners. Operators must also complete corrective action requirements based on findings from the inspections prior to bringing any aircraft back into service. The FAA will continue to support the National Transportation Safety Board’s investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282. The NTSB is in charge of the investigation and will provide any updates.

Source: FAA The FAA will order the temporary grounding of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 aircraft operated by U.S. airlines or in U.S. territory. “The FAA is requiring immediate inspections of certain Boeing 737 MAX 9 planes before they can return to flight,” FAA Administrator Mike Whitaker said. “Safety will continue to drive our decision-making as we assist the NTSB’s investigation into Alaska Airlines Flight 1282.” The Emergency Airworthiness Directive (EAD) that will be issued shortly will require operators to inspect aircraft before further flight that do not meet the inspection cycles specified in the EAD. The required inspections will take around four to eight hours per aircraft. The EAD will affect approximately 171 airplanes worldwide.

Source: US DOT The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) released its Air Travel Consumer Report (ATCR) on airline operational data compiled for the month of October 2023 for on-time performance, mishandled baggage, and mishandled wheelchairs and scooters. The ATCR is designed to assist consumers with information on the quality of services provided by airlines. DOT remains committed to ensuring airline passengers are treated fairly and flights operate as scheduled. For the first 10 months of 2023, 1.5% of flights were canceled, far below the 2.6% cancellation rate for the first 10 months of 2022 and the 2.1% cancellation rate for first 10 months of pre-pandemic 2019. DOT uses the data from the ATCR, consumer complaints, and other information it secures [...]