[Jane Garvey participated in a conference call shortly after midnight GMT (7 p.m. ET) aboard an American Airlines flight en route from Washington to Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.] Aviation has reached the year 2000, ... and I am pleased to report to you and (Transportation) Secretary Rodney Slater that the nation's airspace system is up and running safely and efficiently. |
[The glitch turned up during continued testing of the agency's systems, which were declared Y2K-ready in June.] We're continuing to test right up to the last moment, ... We erred on the side of caution. The patch is in. It's been fixed. It's a very, very minor issue. |
although the NTSB has not yet determined the cause of this tragic accident, and we know of no evidence that these parts played any role in the accident, the FAA is ordering these changes to ensure that we take every practical step to ensure the continued safety of the Boeing 747. |
At some of the busier hubs like Chicago, Dallas, Atlanta, we're seeing at certain times of the day, certain days of the week, the numbers are even higher than last year, |
I am directing that a criminal history check be done on all airline and airport employees with access to secure areas, |
I think with every increased security measure that we put in place ... that will improve as well. |
I'm proud to say we have transitioned in a very successful way, |
Keeping your seat belt fastened all the time is the best way to protect against injury in case of turbulence, ... I congratulate American for taking this positive safety step and encourage other airlines to do consider doing the same. |
Next year we plan to have in place an improved system for reporting wire failures. We'll also add database to the FAA's National Aviation Safety Data Analysis Center, |
Our rule will ensure that all airline passengers have access to this potentially life-saving device. |
That is an idea that probably two weeks ago I would not even have considered. But ... we are challenging every assumption, ... Our principal goal is to make sure that the passenger is safe and secure, the flight crew is safe and secure. And that is an idea that we are absolutely willing to look at. |
The FAA is willing to do whatever is within our power to improve the efficiency of the air traffic system, so long as safety is not compromised. |
The FAA realizes these restrictions inconvenience general aviation pilots and airports, ... As the FAA and other federal agencies continuously review measures to ensure national security, we look for the understanding and cooperation of the general aviation community. |
The whole issue of wiring is something that people have been focused on for a while, |
This commitment underscores the vital role played by controllers. They are the professionals who make ... decisions that have helped create the safest aviation system in the world, |