[Congressional Record Volume 157, Number 19 (Tuesday, February 8, 2011)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E165]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




         NO DOMESTIC AIRLINE FATALITIES IN 2010 IS WELCOME NEWS

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                       Tuesday, February 8, 2011

  Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, despite recent news 
that air traffic control errors have risen, I want to recognize the air 
traffic controllers, pilots, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) 
and others in the commercial aviation industry on news that there were 
no commercial airline fatalities in 2010. This marks the third year 
over the past four years that there were no deaths attributable to 
commercial aviation.
  Last year there were more than 10 million domestic flights, carrying 
more than 700 million passengers. According to the National 
Transportation Safety Board, during this time, only 14 passengers 
suffered serious injuries and there were no major accidents.
  The commercial aviation safety record in the U.S. is a result of 
safety-minded aviation professionals throughout our nation. I agree 
with the FAA that it is incumbent on all parties in the aviation system 
to identify its risks in order to eliminate or mitigate them.
  History has shown that safety improvements are implemented more 
quickly and effectively when all sectors of the industry work together 
to develop solutions to identified and agreed upon areas that could use 
improvement.
  I hope that a year from now, I can report again that there were no 
fatalities and even fewer major injuries attributable to our commercial 
aviation industry; and, believe this can happen if the airlines, 
pilots, flight attendants, mechanics, inspectors and the many others 
who play a role in our aviation industry work together and with the FAA 
on making safety their top priority.

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