Al-Amn Magazine

An internal preliminary report from the FAA indicated that staffing levels at the time of the collision were «not normal for the time of day and volume of traffic.»  «We know that air traffic control confirmed with the helicopter crew that they had visual contact with the plane. Controllers then instructed the helicopter to move behind the plane,» Sen. Ted Cruz, R-Texas, who chairs the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation, which oversees the aviation industry, said about the collision. «However, instead of complying, the helicopter moved in front of the aircraft. The two aircraft collided midair, resulting in a catastrophic explosion.» With different aircraft involved in recent aviation accidents, Boyd discussed whether commercial and general aviation vary in safety.  «Commercial airplanes are under much stricter safety rules and safety oversight than our privately owned airplanes,» he explained. «That much said, there is no indication of any major safety issues whatsoever with general aviation compared to commercial aviation.»  «The two systems are very, very different,» Boyd continued. «Commercial airplanes … may fly 2,000 hours a year, while general aviation private airplanes may fly 200 hours a year … so it›s a very different utilization, but as far as safety goes, the safety standards are quite high.»  Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News last week that America›s skies remain the safest in the world but that many of the FAA›s systems remain «antiquated» and changes could be made to improve them. «If it wasn›t safe, if there was an issue with air traffic controllers or staffing that couldn›t keep the system and the people safe in it, the FAA would shut it down,» he said. «We do have technologies on airplanes to keep them separated … our system does need to be upgraded.» Boyd said that with more than half a billion people getting on airplanes every year, Americans should continue to «get on the airplane … go see grandma.» «People should not be worried about flying,» he added. «It›s a whole lot safer than driving down the highway.» foxnews.com