Press Releases

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.”

Buffalo NY, August 24, 2023 – The Families of Flight 3407 express their support for the “Notice of Intent” issued today by the US Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to initiate a rulemaking aimed at closing the so-called “Charter Loophole”.  This action comes as a response to the recent request by SkyWest Airlines to operate a portion of its fleet as SkyWest Charter, a move that could potentially lead to the employment of pilots with significantly less experience than what is currently required for commercial aviation.

Buffalo New York, August 10, 2023 – The Families of Flight 3407 will gather once again on Long Street in Clarence Center, New York for a re-dedication ceremony at the memorial where the February 2009 crash occurred.  The event is scheduled for Saturday, August 12th, at 11:00 am.

The Families of Flight 3407 issued the following statement upon passage of amendment 5 to the House FAA Reauthorization bill.  The amendment removed a provision that would permit additional flight simulator hours to be credited toward the 1500-hour requirement for an Air Transport Pilot certificate, replacing hours of actual flying time in the cockpit.

Buffalo, New York, July 16, 2023- With a vote on the current US House of Representatives’ FAA Reauthorization Bill approaching, the Families of Flight 3407 urgently appeal to all members of the House of Representatives to unite in support of a bi-partisan amendment offered by Representatives Brian Higgins, Nick Langworthy and Claudia Tenney.   This crucial amendment aims to remove a provision allowing for simulator training to replace valuable time in the cockpit.  The Family Group is concerned that any weakening of the current standard will put the flying public at risk.  Since the current standards were enacted in 2010, there have been no fatal crashes in the US – it’s safest period in commercial aviation history. 

Buffalo NY, July 10, 2023 – With both the House and Senate FAA Reauthorization bills approaching possible floor votes, the Families of Flight 3407 have stated their strong opposition to proposals in both bills to weaken the pilot qualifications requirements established in the 2010 FAA Reauthorization and Safety Act. 

Thune Amendment Viewed as Attempt to Weaken Current Standards

Buffalo NY, June 14th 2023-  With the Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee meeting June 15th to consider the new FAA Reauthorization bill, the Families of Flight 3407 are reacting strongly  to an amendment proposed by Senator John Thune that would change the First Officer qualifications to allow actual experience in the cockpit to be replaced  with classroom time.

Will Attend Mark Up Session for Pending FAA Reauthorization Bill

Buffalo New York, June 13, 2023. With the House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Committee’s mark up session for the pending FAA Reauthorization Bill scheduled for Tuesday June 13,  the Families of Flight 3407 have expressed concern that some key components of the bill will weaken the First Officer pilot qualifications which were  established in the Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Reauthorization Act of 2010 and have been pivotal in reducing commercial airline fatalities in the US.

Buffalo, New York- May 7 2023 – Reacting to an application by SkyWest Charter LLC  to conduct passenger operations as a commuter carrier, the Flight 3407 Family Group has written a letter to  Department of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg requesting that he deny this application.