Press Releases

Group Cites Failure to Prioritize Safety

March 10, 2025, Buffalo, NY – The Families of Flight 3407 strongly oppose the
nomination of Steven Bradbury for Deputy Secretary of the Department of
Transportation (DOT), citing his troubling record on aviation safety during his tenure as
Acting Deputy Secretary and General Counsel of the DOT under the First Trump
Administration.

February 12, 2025, Buffalo NY – Today marks 16 years since Continental Flight 3407 tragically crashed in Clarence Center, New York, taking the lives of 50 on board and one man on the ground.  The pain of their loss is still felt every day – mothers and fathers, sons and Read more…

May 15, 2024, Buffalo, New York– The Families of Flight 3407 wish to express their gratitude to the U.S. House of Representatives for the passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill by an overwhelming majority (387-26).  This bipartisan legislation ensures the continued safety and oversight of our nation’s aviation system for the next five years.  

Buffalo, NY – May 12, 2024 – The Families of Flight 3407 hailed Thursday’s passage of the FAA Reauthorization Bill as a significant step toward enhanced aviation safety and the protection of the flying public and issued the following statement:

Buffalo, New York – April 30, 2024– The Families of Flight 3407 wish to express their heartfelt appreciation to the members of the House/Senate Conference Committee for their diligent efforts in reconciling differences and presenting a final FAA Reauthorization Bill.

This bill addresses many critical safety concerns including those that have resulted in numerous near misses in recent years.  

Buffalo, New York; February 11, 2024 – Monday, February 12, 2024 will mark the 15th anniversary of the tragic and preventable crash of Continental Flight 3407 operated by Colgan Air, that took the lives of all on board and one man on the ground.  Our lives were forever altered that night. We lost cherished loved ones and sadly, the world lost many extraordinary and vibrant people who still had so much to give.

Buffalo, New York Feb. 2, 2024-The Families of Flight 3407 would like to express heartfelt appreciation to Congressman Brian Higgins as he departs congress after serving 19 years as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Buffalo New York, October 25, 2023 –   Following the confirmation of Michael G. Whitaker as the new FAA Administrator, the Families of Flight 3407 welcome his leadership at an agency that has operated without a permanent head for the past 18 months.   Members of the group attended his earlier Senate confirmation hearing, and noted his statement that if confirmed, his priority will be the safety of the flying public.   

Call on Nominee to support current Part 121 Safety Provisions

Buffalo, New York – October 4, 2023 – As the Senate gears up for the confirmation hearing of Michael G. Whitaker as FAA Administrator, The Families of Flight 3407 have announced their intent to be present, continuing their advocacy for airline safety.

“We hope to hear a commitment to ‘One Level of Safety’ from Mr. Whitaker, along with his support for the current provisions of the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010” stated Scott Maurer of Palmetto Florida, who lost his 30-year-old daughter Lorin in the crash of Flight 3407.  “Every time a new FAA Reauthorization bill is proposed, there are attempts on the part of lobbyists to weaken the pilot qualification requirements, in spite of the fact that there has not been one, single fatal commercial airline crash in US since the law was enacted.  We need to know that Mr. Whitaker does not support the efforts of these lobbyists and will commit to maintaining the existing provisions that have proven to work so well.”