DOT Secretary: Enough is Enough

In a recent speech, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters announced creation of a 35-member Tarmac Delay Task Force and criticized congressional foot-dragging on aviation appointments. “We have put out a series of proposed rules that will help passengers know what to expect when they book a flight, allow us to step up oversight of chronically delayed flights, and enhance protections for consumers who are bumped, experience delays, or have other complaints against airlines,” stated Peters. The Tarmac Delay Task Force’s assignment is to make sure airlines and airports do a better job coordinating with one another on how to handle lengthy tarmac delays and the unexpected weather events that can strand thousands at airports. Peters places some of the blame for aviation congestion on U.S. lawmakers. “I am a little tired of all the noise from Capitol Hill about how bad aviation delays are when they are sitting on the sidelines in Washington while passengers sit waiting in airports and on taxiways across the country.” She said the congressional holdups are not limited to aviation funding, extending to key appointments like the confirmation of Bobby Sturgell as the next FAA administrator.  Stated Peters: “Everyone knows Bobby is superbly qualified for the position, and he is doing a great job in his capacity as acting administrator. But he needs the full authority that comes with confirmation to properly deal with the safety and capacity issues that are so key to the success of the FAA. Three months have passed since the President nominated him, and Congress has not budged. An impending presidential election is no excuse for suspending business in Washington. Frankly, there isn’t an excuse good enough for playing politics with aviation safety, aviation capacity, and aviation leadership. How much longer is Congress going to keep critical aviation issues in a holding pattern?”