Nehls, Crenshaw Tackle Boeing Fiasco, Demand Action from Buttigieg

Representative Troy Nehls (R-TX) and Dan Crenshaw (R-TX) sent a letter to Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg concerning Boeing and United Airlines’ recent safety incidents that endangered passengers and the public at large.

The congressmen are urging “appropriate accountability measures” and transparency from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The letter, led by Rep. Nehls, demands just that.

“In the span of just a few weeks, United Airlines has been plagued by six major safety issues that lend credence to a culture of mismanagement and lack of emphasis on aviation safety and proper maintenance procedures. While we strive to make aviation travel the safest mode of transportation in the world, we recognize that no matter how diligent a company pursues safety, unfortunate incidents may occur. However, these incidents occurred with a variety of different aircraft supplied by different companies in an extremely short time span. The reoccurring variable appears to be United Airlines.

“We are encouraged to learn that the Federal Aviation Administration is investigating these incidents, and we implore you [to] report your findings to our offices and the public at large,” wrote the representatives.

They continued by calling out recent – and thankfully not deadly – reports of “mechanical failures and maintenance lapses” with United flights with a majority of planes being Boeing aircraft.

Reps. Nehls and Crenshaw addressed Boeing’s CEO breaking his silence.

“After several weeks of silence, CEO of United Airlines, Scott Kirby, finally addressed the issue stating ‘Unfortunately, in the past few weeks, our airline has experienced a number of incidents that are reminders of the importance of safety’ and saying they are pursuing an extra day of training for pilots.”

Finally, Rep. Nehls with Rep. Crenshaw provided their lists of demands for Secretary Buttigieg regarding this issue.

“As the regulatory agency tasked with ensuring aviation safety in the United States, I am requesting that your agency submit a full accounting of these incidents and describe any efforts the Federal Aviation Administration is currently undertaking or plans to initiate against United Airlines. The United States and the Federal Aviation Administration [were] once regarded as the ‘gold standard’ for aviation safety. As the agency charged with the flying public’s safety, we implore you to take this matter seriously, reveal the results of your investigation, and apply appropriate accountability mechanisms,” concluded the congressmen.

Nehls represents Texas’ 22^nd Congressional District, and Crenshaw represents Texas’ 2^nd Congressional District.