Congresswoman Tenney Stands Up for the Victims of Flight 3407, Supports FAA Reauthorization
Washington, DC – Congresswoman Claudia Tenney (NY-24) today voted in favor of H.R. 3935, the Securing Growth and Robust Leadership in American Aviation Act, which included an amendment led by Reps. Langworthy, Higgins, and Tenney.
This bill, which passed the House by a vote of 351-69, reauthorizes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) through FY2028, including activities and programs related to aerospace innovation, airport planning and development, facilities and equipment, and operations.
The Langworthy, Higgins, and Tenney Amendments protect the proven and effective 1,500-hour training standard pilots have had for over a decade. This 1,500-hour standard was enacted after the 2009 Colgan Air Flight 3407 crash in Clarence, NY, that killed all 49 individuals on board and 1 person on the ground. The National Transportation Safety Board determined that the crash could have been avoided if the pilots had better training. In the 10 years since the 1,500-hour rule was enacted, we have experienced the safest period in American aviation history, seeing a 99.8% reduction in passenger airline accident fatalities since 2010.
“The 1500-hour requirement ensures that our pilots receive the necessary training and experience to handle the complexities and challenges they may face in the cockpit,” said Congresswoman Claudia Tenney. “In honor of the victims of Flight 3407 and their surviving families, it is crucial that we uphold this training requirement that ensures our pilots have the real-life experience they need to reduce the risk of accidents and keep the flying public safe. This rule has played a pivotal role in making American skies some of the safest in the world. By passing this legislation today, we can ensure the continued safety and security of our skies and honor the memories of those who tragically lost their lives on Flight 3407."
Watch Tenney’s remarks on the House floor in support of her amendment here.
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