July 18, 2024
The Honorable Pete Buttigieg
Secretary of Transportation
U.S. Department of Transportation
1200 New Jersey Ave, SE
Washington, D.C. 20590
Dear Secretary Buttigieg:
I am writing to express my gratitude for your steadfast commitment to aviation safety, particularly your efforts to hold Boeing accountable. Your leadership in this area has been crucial in maintaining the public's trust in the aviation system. I wish to draw your attention to another vital aspect of aviation safety that warrants continued focus: the role of the aviation maintenance industry.
The Aircraft Mechanics Fraternal Association (AMFA) represents thousands of skilled aircraft maintenance technicians across North America. These professionals are the unsung heroes of aviation, ensuring that aircraft are maintained to the highest standards of safety and reliability. Their work is indispensable in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of every flight.
Aviation maintenance is a complex and highly technical field that requires extensive training, ongoing education, and a deep commitment to safety. The members of AMFA embody these qualities, consistently demonstrating exceptional skill and dedication. They undergo rigorous certification processes and adhere to strict regulatory standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The pressures and demands of the industry, however, can sometimes lead to shortcuts and cost-cutting measures that compromise safety. This is where the AMFA plays a critical role in advocating for the highest standards of maintenance practices.
It is essential that we continue to support and strengthen the regulatory framework that governs aviation maintenance. Ensuring that aircraft maintenance technicians have the necessary resources, training, and working conditions to perform their jobs effectively is paramount. AMFA has been at the forefront of these efforts, advocating for policies that prioritize safety over profit and emphasizing the need for a robust and well-funded oversight system.
One area of concern that has been highlighted by AMFA is the trend of outsourcing maintenance work to facilities outside the United States. While this can be cost-effective, it often results in maintenance being performed in locations with less stringent oversight and regulatory standards. This practice can compromise the quality of maintenance and, consequently, the safety of the aircraft. I urge you to consider quickly enacting the language AMFA helped craft during FAA reauthorization that would ensure all maintenance work on U.S. aircraft, regardless of where it is performed, meets the same rigorous standards as those required domestically.
Moreover, the recent incidents involving Boeing have underscored the importance of robust oversight and accountability in the aviation industry. Your efforts to hold Boeing accountable have set a precedent that safety cannot be compromised for commercial interests. This stance is crucial in maintaining the integrity of our aviation system and protecting the lives of passengers and crew members. It is my hope that similar vigilance will be applied to all aspects of aviation safety, including the maintenance sector.
In closing, I want to reiterate my appreciation for your dedication to aviation safety. The work of AMFA and its members is integral to this mission, and I urge you to continue supporting our efforts. By prioritizing the safety and integrity of aviation maintenance, we can ensure that our skies remain safe and that the public's trust in air travel is upheld.
Thank you for your time and consideration.
Sincerely,
Robert R. Cush
Director of Government Affairs
governmentaffairs@amfanatl.org
