Capitol Hill put safety in the spotlight when Federal Aviation Administration chief, Michael Whitaker, faced house subcommittee members Wednesday in the wake of numerous air-related concerns.
For the first time since Whitaker gave his Senate confirmation last October, he faced lawmakers ready with questions about the Alaska Airlines door plug incident that happened in January with a Boeing 737 MAX 9. Whitaker addressed the situation and assured that the administration is keeping a careful eye on Boeing.
“We now have 20 inspectors on the ground in Boeing engaging with the employees in every phase of the manufacturing process,” said Whitaker.
The chief also addressed air traffic controller shortages and the possible expansion of controller training in cooperation with universities across the country.
