We are working to make sure nothing like this happens again. Our only concern is the safety of American travelers and the Boeing 737-9 MAX will not return to the skies until we are entirely satisfied it is safe.
The FAA will require Boeing to provide
additional data before the agency approves an extensive and rigorous inspection and maintenance process for returning the 737-9 MAX aircraft to service. Read more at .
It is time to re-examine the delegation of authority and assess any associated safety risks. The grounding of the Boeing 737-9 MAX and the multiple production-related issues identified in recent years require us to look at every option to reduce risk.
After taking decisive and immediate action to ground approximately 171 Boeing 737-9 MAX planes, today we announced new and significant actions to immediately increase oversight of Boeing production and manufacturing. Read more about the actions at .
We grounded the Boeing 737-9 MAX and made clear it would not return to flight until it was safe. The enhanced review our team completed gives me and the FAA confidence to proceed to the inspection and maintenance phase prior to returning to operation.
The skies will be extremely busy this Thanksgiving period – eclipsing last year. We are expecting 49,600 flights on Wednesday. The FAA will be working around the clock to make sure passengers get to their destinations safely.
After a recent tour of Boeing’s facilities following several high profile issues with the company, FAA Administrator Michael Whitaker speaks to
@LesterHoltNBC
in an exclusive interview.
To better identify safety trends and prevent accidents, the FAA is proposing to increase the amount of time cockpit voice recorders retain information from 2 hours to 25 hours. Learn how to provide feedback on the proposed rule at .
The FAA is taking action to mitigate risks from controller fatigue. I will immediately implement longer rest periods for controllers between shifts based on recommendations from a panel on ATC fatigue. Read my full statement and the report at .
The FAA has established a Mental Health Aviation Rulemaking Committee. This is a crucial step toward safely addressing mental health stigma, and the well-being of pilots and air traffic controllers.
I spoke with
@tomcostellonbc
from the
@TODAYshow
this morning regarding the
@nytimes
report on air traffic controllers. We're working every day to make sure that the national airspace system stays as safe as it has been for decades. We're not letting down our guard.
A report in The New York Times highlights overworked air traffic controllers, with some saying that some colleagues use drugs and alcohol to cope with the workload and even fall asleep on the job.
@tomcostellonbc
reports on the nationwide problem.
Our job at the FAA is to keep the flying public safe. I’ve been in the field visiting
@PHLAirport
and
@BostonLogan
where I met with air traffic professionals to see operations, surface safety technology and air traffic controller training first-hand.
Yesterday I met with
@Boeing
President & CEO Dave Calhoun and his senior leadership team. My message was clear: Boeing must commit to real and profound improvements. We will hold them accountable every step of the way.
This holiday season, I want to take a moment to thank my incredible colleagues at the FAA for their hard work and dedication in keeping our nation’s aerospace system the safest and most efficient in the world. Together, we’re building the aviation system of the future.
Our safety teams will be working around the clock so you are safe from takeoff to touchdown. Thank you to our air traffic controllers working throughout the holidays to make sure you arrive at your destination safely.
Hiring more air traffic controllers is a priority. We need more entry points for candidates, and this enhanced training program is an additional avenue to get controllers into facilities sooner.
Students who graduate from enhanced air traffic controller programs at authorized colleges/universities will be able to train at facilities sooner. Partnering with AT-CTI programs is one of the many steps we're taking to increase the controller workforce: .
I talked to
@SquawkCNBC
about the FAA’s increased oversight of Boeing’s manufacturing process. We'll also review the delegation of authority process and explore using an independent third party to oversee Boeing’s inspections and its quality system.
This week I visited the FAA’s Tech Center where we’re making advancements in surface safety tools as we pursue our goal of zero serious close calls. These solutions include simple runway incursion devices and approach runway verification technology.
Don't chance your holiday plans by acting up on a plane. Unruly behavior can affect your
@TSA
PreCheck eligibility or land you on an airline’s no-fly list. Learn more about our zero-tolerance policy at .
#Thanksgiving
#travel
#safety
#aviation
This won’t be back to business as usual for Boeing. We will not agree to any request from Boeing for expansion in production or approve additional production lines for the 737 MAX until we are satisfied that the quality control issues uncovered during this process are resolved.
Mental health care has made great strides in recent years, and we want to make sure the FAA is considering those advances when we evaluate the health of pilots.
The FAA is forming an Aviation Rulemaking Committee to address and eliminate the barriers that prevent pilots from reporting mental health issues. Read more about this collaboration with airlines, airline pilot unions, and the aerospace medical community: .
This is our third year making funds available that will help modernize air transportation and replace and upgrade key infrastructure. These funds build new terminals, towers, taxilanes, runway signage and replaces or purchases equipment.
The FAA will invest $66.2M in Bipartisan Infrastructure Law grants for upgrades at airports across the US. From new terminals to improved runway lights and pavement, we're
#InvestingInAmerica
to modernize air travel and get you to your destination safely.
Today is forecasted to be the busiest day for air travel since 2019. Treat your airline crew with respect and follow their instructions. They are there for your safety. We have zero-tolerance for dangerous behavior.
What's the most important thing to pack for your trip? Patience. Travel inevitably comes with stress and changes you can't control, but you can control your behavior. For your safety, always follow crew member instructions. Be polite, enjoy the flight.
The FAA works with law enforcement agencies to pursue penalties against people who deliberately aim a laser at an aircraft. This dangerous crime puts lives at risk. If you witness someone shining a laser at an aircraft, report it to local authorities and the FAA.
The number of laser strikes on aircraft in 2023 topped all previous records. This safety threat can temporarily blind pilots, often with hundreds of passengers onboard. Help crack down on this crime, report to authorities! Learn more at .
#LoseTheLaser
"We're ready for this. We've planned for this. We know it's going to be a busy weekend."
FAA administrator Michael Whitaker shares how the agency is preparing for the record holiday travel weekend amid air traffic controller shortages.
On Veterans Day, we honor the incredible dedication and sacrifice of our veterans. To all who have proudly worn our country’s uniform, and who now proudly help advance the FAA’s safety mission, thank you for your service.
#VeteransDay
The FAA welcomes the independent Safety Review Team’s report, and we will thoroughly review the recommendations. We appreciate the team’s time and expertise to help us pursue our goal of zero serious close calls.
Read the report:
We want to look at how future innovation might cause us to think differently. Safe air travel options should be available to everyone, not limited to only those living near a major airport.
Earlier this week, I spoke at the FAA-EASA Conference about safety, regulation, and international engagement. Grateful for the opportunity to strengthen our partnership with
@EASA
and chart a course for a safer, more connected future in aviation. ✈️
Make sure your holidays are memorable for the right reasons this year. The FAA has zero tolerance for people who behave dangerously on planes and put other people’s safety at risk.
🎵 Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays
'Cause no matter how far away you roam
If you trade bad behavior for more friendly ways
For the holidays, you can fly home sweet home. 🎵
Today, I met with Boeing’s senior leadership to review their new safety roadmap. I made it crystal clear that they must follow through on implementing corrective actions and transform their safety culture.
The FAA is issuing new requirements for charter airlines, commuter airlines, air tour operators, and certain manufacturers to develop systems to proactively manage safety. Learn more about Safety Management Systems and read the final rule at .
A safe National Airspace System begins and ends on the airport surface. Providing air traffic controllers with tools such as Approach Runway Verification will improve their situational awareness of the airport surface which is paramount to improving safety.
FAA's Approach Runway Verification tool is now installed at several airports & will be deployed at hundreds more over the next two years. This safety technology alerts air traffic controllers to aircraft lined up to land on the wrong airport surface. More:
Our air traffic controllers are dedicated to making sure air traffic moves safely and smoothly, and these recently installed technologies at
@AUStinAirport
and other airports will add an extra layer to aviation safety.
Hiring new controllers is one of our major priorities. We are encouraging anyone interested in a new challenge to take a shot at this exciting and rewarding safety career. Find out if you meet the qualifications at .
We're hiring entry-level FAA air traffic controllers from April 19-22. Controllers are critical to maintaining the safety of the U.S. airspace 24/7. Learn more about this essential and rewarding career at .
#BeATC
I spoke to
@SquawkCNBC
about our oversight of Boeing. Safety will continue to drive decisions around the MAX-9. Part of that is adding more inspectors to make sure those airplanes are being produced safely.
As travelers prepare for
#July4th
, I spoke with
@CBSMornings
about how the FAA helps get you to your destinations safely, and the new surface safety technologies we’re rapidly deploying to assist controllers in the tower.
The FAA predicts nearly 54,000 flights will take off today, with tens of thousands more ahead of the July 4 holiday.
Administrator Michael Whitaker shares how the FAA is ensuring proper oversight amid safety concerns: “Safety is a team sport.”
Thanks
@POLITICOLive
for inviting me to discuss all the work
@FAANews
is doing to keep our airspace safe. We can never rest on our laurels when it comes to safety, and all of the players in this ecosystem have their role.
The new and exciting challenges facing the aviation industry calls for diverse skill sets and perspectives that will make us a safer and stronger workforce. We invite you to register today to join us on Feb 27.
#HBCUAviationDay
The FAA's 2nd annual
#HBCUAviationDay
is a great opportunity to highlight our relationship with HBCUs as we work together to advance careers in aviation. Join us on Feb 27 to discover exciting education programs and career opportunities! Register today at .
General aviation is an important part of our system. I talked to
@FAASafetyBrief
about the FAA’s plans to encourage a robust GA ecosystem and how safety will always be my principal focus.
We sat down with
@FAA_Mike
to discuss the FAA Administrator’s plans for general aviation safety, incorporating new entrants into the national airspace, and how earning his pilot certificate helped him understand the aviation system from all sides:
The FAA is investing in the aviation workforce of the future. We look forward to helping develop the next generation of pilots and aviation maintenance technicians.
The FAA is awarding 32 Aviation Workforce Development Grants totaling $13.5 million to advance pilot and aviation maintenance programs at colleges & universities throughout the country. Find a full list of the recipients at .
#FAASTEM
Being an air traffic controller is not an easy job, but it is important and rewarding. So help us get the word out about this opportunity. We are filling every seat at the Air Traffic Controller Academy in Oklahoma City.
As the chief recruitment officer, it is my goal to keep air traffic controllers moving through the training pipeline. We are working hard to hire new talent. In early spring, we will start taking applications from the general public.
This would be an important step in our overall safety mission because few countries require testing of aviation or maintenance personnel. This rule would ensure these employees are held to the same high level of safety standards regardless of where they are physically located.
The FAA proposes to require certificated repair stations located outside of the US to obtain and implement a drug and alcohol testing program for employees who perform safety-sensitive maintenance functions on certain air carrier aircraft. Learn more at .
We committed to fast tracking surface safety initiatives and display technology for controllers to see surface movement at airports. Learn more about our progress at .
Acting fowl 🦃 on a plane distracts pilots. It is unsafe behavior that can land you in jail with hefty fines. Read about our zero-tolerance policy against unruly passengers at .
#Thanksgiving2023
Systemic change isn't easy, but in this case is absolutely necessary. The work is never done when it comes to the safety of the flying public – from Boeing, airlines, or the FAA. But we will hold the company accountable every step of the way to make sure these changes happen.