FAA Safety, Aircraft Certification Focus of Senate Hearing

FAA acting administrator Billy Nolen told lawmakers that the agency continues to review new versions of the Boeing 737 Max .

Amelia Walsh

Wednesday, March 08, 2023 at 05:11 PM ET

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The Senate Commerce Committee's hearing focused on aircraft certification and FAA reform efforts in the aftermath of the Boeing 737 Max accidents. [Credit: Alejandro-Barba/Unsplash]

Key Takeaways:

The Senate Commerce Committee held a hearing on FAA reform and aircraft certification, prompted by the Boeing 737 Max accidents, to inform the upcoming FAA reauthorization bill.
Acting FAA Administrator Billy Nolen reported on improvements in certification and safety oversight, detailing plans for increased staffing, streamlined processes (like aircraft registration and medicals), and strengthened whistleblower protections.
Lawmakers voiced concerns regarding the aviation experience of FAA administrator nominee Phil Washington, contrasting his background with the extensive qualifications of acting administrator Billy Nolen.

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On March 8, the Senate Commerce Committee held its second meeting ahead of FAA reauthorization, this time focusing on aircraft certification and FAA reform efforts in the aftermath of the Boeing 737 Max accidents.

On October 28, 2018, a Boeing 737 Max operating as Lion Air Flight 610 went down 11 minutes after takeoff from Jakarta, Indonesia, killing all 189 on board. Months later, on March 10, 2019, Ethiopian Air Flight 302 crashed six minutes after takeoff from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, killing 157.