Oberstar criticizes the FAA for lax safety record

by Martin Moylan, Minnesota Public Radio

Minnesota Congressman James Oberstar, DFL, says the FAA has a lax attitude about aviation safety.

St. Paul, Minn. — The Federal Aviation Administration has proposed a $10.2 million fine against Southwest Airlines.

The agency says Southwest flew scores of planes after the aircraft missed deadlines for fuselage and rudder inspections and maintenance.

Rep. James Oberstar and other lawmakers complain the FAA took too long to act and the planes should have been grounded.

Oberstar said the FAA and airlines don't take maintenance seriously enough.

"The FAA is saying nobody died. Southwest is saying there were no accidents. Nothing fell apart. But there were cracks in the fuselage. Cracks have a disturbing habit of propagating until they become a major failure," said Oberstar.

Oberstar said FAA inspectors report maintenance slips are occuring at other carriers.

But Oberstar said he's not yet seen evidence the safety lapses are as serious as they were at Southwest.