US to tighten control on regional pilot training

0 Comments | AFP, June, 2009

WASHINGTON (AFP) — Two top US transportation officials said Tuesday that aviation authorities will tighten control on the training of regional pilots, following a deadly mid-February airplane crash in New York state.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) chief Randy Babbitt have ordered agents "to immediately focus inspection on training programs to ensure that regional airlines are complying with federal regulations," a statement said.

"This review will address pilot training, cockpit discipline and other issues associated with flight safety," the statement read.

"It's clear to us in looking at the February Colgan Air crash in Buffalo that there are things we should be doing now," said Babbitt, referring to the US commuter...