The Politics of Aviation Maintenance Safety
One of the most frustrating aspects of working “Inside the Beltway” is watching the government’s bureaucratic machine do so little. Too often the few things that move within Congress or by the administration are politically driven; they are not economically sound nor do they ensure safety.
For example, for more than 10 years the Department of Transportation’s Office of Inspector General has been looking into the FAA’s oversight of repair stations. The initiative continues to be a political fishing expedition that has wasted countless tax dollars. The latest report that was issued early last May once again confirmed what everyone in the industry already knew … repair stations have an exemplary safety record.
The fact of the matter is that good safety is good business. The men and women who work in the aviation maintenance industry are committed to ensuring every person who boards an aircraft anywhere in the world gets to their destination safely.
The industry’s outstanding safety record is no accident. It is the result of an effective and ever-improving network of industry controls in concert with existing regulations. Repair stations are an important part of what makes the aviation industry safer, more reliable and more efficient.
Contract maintenance allows owners and operators to reduce maintenance costs without negatively impacting safety. The reason? Highly-specialized repair stations are able to get a better return on investment for tools, training, facilities and other key business components. This allows companies to maximize efficiency, expertise and skill in an already highly-talented and professional international workforce. Whether it is line maintenance performed by an airline, a complete engine overhaul done by a manufacturer, or an avionics upgrade, those responsible for the work uphold the highest standards of safety and regulatory compliance.
No maintenance provider has a monopoly on safety. The same safety rules, standards and regulations apply to maintenance work wherever it is performed. A person or entity that is FAA certificated always approves the work for return to service. It is simply not possible for an airline or a private owner to have maintenance performed all over the world by whomever it pleases.
It’s time the government bureaucratic machine stops wasting taxpayer funding to support politically-driven initiatives. Instead, it needs to focus efforts and resources on sound safety and economic programs that benefit the American public.
Eric R. Byer is the senior vice president for Obadal, Filler, MacLeod & Klein (OFM&K), where he represents aviation clients, including the Aeronautical Repair Station Association, on a variety of regulatory and legislative issues. Prior to joining OFM&K, Byer led a NATA team that focused on legislative, regulatory and security issues. Prior to NATA, Byer was a senior government affairs coordinator at Smith, Bucklin and Associates. He once acted as legislative/staff assistant to Pennsylvania Congressman William F. Clinger Jr. and worked for New Jersey Congressman Dean Gallo. He holds a bachelor of arts degree in political science from Gettysburg College in Gettysburg, PA, and has earned a master of arts degree.