The Need to Ensure Safe and Reliable Transportation

Many of us will be traveling this holiday season to join with family and friends in celebration, but as millions of Americans take to the sky they may find anything but Christmas cheer. Long lines at the airports, seemingly endless delays, lost luggage, and missed connections will leave many travelers stranded and alone for the holidays.

It is the federal government’s responsibility to ensure that the airlines operate safely. While air traffic control operates as efficiently as possible. We need to continue to make improvements within the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to guarantee reliable and secure transportation for the American people.

We have taken several steps in the right direction but more needs to be done. One of the more important things that needs to be done is for students to pursue degrees in fields that will allow the system to operate more efficiently and stay up to date with technical changes. Several Colorado Colleges and Universities have already begun to include these types of degree offerings. Furthermore we must continue to expand opportunities for FAA employees to succeed and advance within the industry. Another important development is the Bill that was just passed, that raises the age of retirement for pilots to 65 (Fair Treatment for Experienced Pilots Act). Their experience and expertise is invaluable in the training and mentoring of the airline industry’s next generation.

As your next congressman I will work with the Colorado Springs Airport and other municipal airports in Colorado, the FAA, and other industry leaders to enhance the service of the airline industry and allow for the system to become more efficient. We must work together to ensure that local airports receive the resources necessary to continue operations and provide reliable transportation to and from Colorado.