U.S. LAWMAKERS PUSH FOR REFORMS IN AIRCRAFT CERTIFICATION

US lawmakers are making a final push in 2020 to win approval of landmark reforms to how the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) certifies new airplanes in the wake of two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes, five people briefed on the matter said, David Shepardson reported for Reuters.

On Nov. 18, the Senate Commerce Committee unanimously passed a bill to reform how the FAA certifies new airplanes, grant new protections for whistleblowers and bolster misconduct investigations and discipline management at the FAA, among other reforms.

The US House of Representatives unanimously passed a similar bill the same week.

Lawmakers hope to attach significant reforms to a massive bill expected to be voted on in coming days that would provide about $900 billion in COVID-19 relief and fund the government’s operations. One congressional aide said “House and Senate committee negotiators on that issue have gotten to a good place on it.”

On Friday, Senate Commerce Republicans released a 102-page report that found Boeing officials “inappropriately coached” test pilots during recertification efforts after the 737 MAX crashes killed 346 people. The committee said it appeared FAA and Boeing officials “were attempting to cover up important information that may have contributed to the 737 MAX tragedies.”

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