[Congressional Record Volume 144, Number 58 (Monday, May 11, 1998)]
[Senate]
[Pages S4603-S4604]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     FAA'S ACTIONS ON BOEING 737'S

  Mr. FORD. Mr. President, today, I want to take a few minutes to speak 
on the latest actions by the Federal Aviation Administration with 
respect to its emergency inspection order of Boeing 737's.
  Last Thursday, May 7th, the FAA issued an airworthiness directive 
which ordered the inspection and possible replacement of fuel tank 
wiring insulation in certain Boeing 737's, 747's and 767's. The FAA 
order for 737's required immediate action on an estimated 152 U.S. 
registered Boeing 737-100 and -200 models with more than 50,000 hours 
of flying time. A second directive also ordered the operators of 264 
Boeing 747's and 231 Boeing 767's to inspect wiring within 60 days.
  Yesterday, Sunday May 10th, the FAA ordered the immediate inspection 
for all older Boeing 737's with between 40,000 and 50,000 flight hours. 
The FAA ordered that the aircraft could not be operated in commercial 
service until mechanics could inspect, and repair, if needed, the fuel 
tank wiring. The FAA's action on Sunday came about after initial 
inspections by the airlines found additional evidence of electrical 
problems in the fuel tank wires.
  There is no question that the FAA's actions inconvenienced a number 
of travelers yesterday. The decision by the FAA to issue the emergency 
order was a tough call, but it was the right call to make. It also 
demonstrates the FAA's continuing commitment to safety.
  As Administrator Garvey said ``Safety is our highest transportation 
priority''. Her actions and words are to be commended. I wanted to come 
to the floor to recognize the actions of FAA Administrator Garvey. She 
and her staff acted quickly and decisively. Many of us around here have 
often taken to the floor to say that the FAA's first priority should be 
safety. And the actions taken by Administrator Garvey are a clear 
demonstration to all of us that the FAA is vigilant in improving safety 
within the aviation industry. The actions are also clear evidence of a 
change in the culture of the FAA--that the agency is proactive in 
enforcing safety standards.
  We should also acknowledge the actions taken by the airlines and the

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Boeing Company. Working in partnership with the FAA, these inspections 
were undertaken quickly and as a result, a potentially disastrous 
situation was averted.
  I, for one, feel re-assured this morning because of the actions taken 
by the FAA. I have always been confident that FAA Administrator Garvey 
would do an outstanding job. Her actions over the weekend have only 
deepened my confidence in and respect for her, and for the agency.
  Mr. BYRD. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent I may consume such 
time as I may require.
  The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered.

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