An outside US federal watchdog has launched criticism of FAA for inadequate responses to air-traffic controller complaints about runway safety at Memphis, Tennessee, and Newark, N.J.
Special Counsel Scott Bloch, an independent monitor of workplace complaints from federal employees, is demanding DOT launch an investigation of whistleblower reports made to FAA.
Bloch says there is a "substantial likelihood" that conditions at the two airports "create a substantial and specific danger to public safety".
The whistleblowers who approached Bloch's office said they made internal complaints but were not satisfied with FAA's response. Their concerns center on safety risks when an aircraft aborts a landing and begins to climb for a 'go-around.' The airports in question have intersecting runways. One of the traffic controllers who complained to Bloch has 18 years of experience.
FAA assistant administrator for communications Lynne Tierney says in a statement that the Bloch letters concern "old investigations" and "old allegations".
Tierney explains the "runway safety situation in both Memphis and Newark was thoroughly investigated by both the FAA's Office of Aviation Safety Oversight and by the DOT'S Inspector General. The safety data demonstrates that there are no safety issues associated with operations at either of these two airports. It is highly irresponsible of the Special Counsel to needlessly scare travelers".
Source: Air Transport Intelligence news
Fonte: Flight Safety Information 23/09/2008.
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