[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 107 (Friday, July 19, 1996)]
[Senate]
[Page S8370]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                       SMALL AIRPORT SAFETY COSTS

  Mr. PRESSLER. Mr. President, I am very concerned as to how the 
current airport safety situation may affect smaller airports. We 
certainly want our citizens who must fly in smaller airplanes with 
smaller companies to be safe. On the other hand, we do not want such an 
expensive layer of regulations that these smaller planes and smaller 
companies cannot operate because of prohibitive costs.
  As we go forward with improving safety, I think of the smaller 
airports in South Dakota where people must fly in smaller aircraft and 
with smaller companies. We must keep those safe. We must meet the same 
standards applying to larger aircraft and larger companies. But let us 
remember that one size does not fit all. In achieving these safety 
goals, let us be certain we keep in mind the smaller airports of our 
country. This is a concern not only in South Dakota but also in Fresno, 
CA, for example, where I have relatives. People must fly in smaller 
aircraft if they are going to travel from Los Angeles to Fresno. 
Upstate New York has the same situation. If you are going to fly to 
Martha's Vineyard, you probably fly on a smaller aircraft.
  So the point is that as we move forward quickly in possibly 
implementing new regulations, let us be certain we keep in mind the 
fact that at least half of Americans must originate their flights in 
what we call smaller airports. I certainly want them to be considered 
in this process.

                          ____________________