Near-Crashes at Airport Mandate FAA Overhaul

Senator Schumer yesterday called for an overhaul of the Federal Aviation Administration in light of five mid-air near-crashes in the last month at New York airports. Mr. Schumer said the current FAA is inadequate because its leaders place profits above people.

New York airports need more air traffic controllers and technology upgrades to prevent these potentially dangerous situations, as well as to prevent flight delays and other problems, Mr. Schumer said. He said passengers should ask lawmakers to act on this issue.

Mr. Schumer stopped short of calling for a leadership change at the FAA, but he said that could be a next step.

Mr. Schumer said he still has faith in flying, but safety and efficiency have deteriorated. The FAA needs to change before more problems occur.