March 31, 2025
FROM CONGRESSMAN NICK LANGWORTHY: As chair of the Aviation Safety Caucus, I’m proud to announce that I’ve introduced the bipartisan Safer Skies Act this week, alongside co-leads Congressmen Jack Bergman (R-MI) and Marc Veasey (D-TX). This important legislation is designed to close critical security loopholes in our nation’s airport security, ensuring that every passenger in the sky is held to the highest standards of safety.
In the wake of the September 11th attacks, we made significant strides to secure our aviation system, and the American public rightfully expects nothing less than rigorous security when boarding a plane. However, there are still gaps in our system—particularly with certain air operators like ticketed charter flights that, until now, have bypassed some of the stringent screening requirements faced by commercial airlines.
The Safer Skies Act will address these gaps by requiring the TSA to update its security screening requirements for Part 135 and Part 380 operators—those who offer individual seats for sale in advance and operate aircraft with more than nine passenger seats. By ensuring these operators adhere to the same standards as commercial airlines, we will protect the lives of passengers and crew members alike.
I’ve worked closely with partners across the federal government and aviation industry to identify these vulnerabilities and craft this solution. This legislation has garnered broad bipartisan support, including co-sponsors from both sides of the aisle and endorsements from key industry associations like the Airline Pilots Association, the Association of Flight Attendants, and the Southwest Airlines Pilots Association.
As a member of NY-23, I have a personal stake in prioritizing airline safety. As you likely remember, on February 9, 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407 lost control and crashed into a home in Clarence, New York killing 45 passengers, two pilots, two flight attendants, and one person on the ground.
Families of the victims turned their grief into action and went to Washington to demand higher safety standards. Their advocacy efforts led to major reforms included in the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act of 2010, such as the 1,500 in-flight training hour requirement for pilots and the requirement that the carrier be disclosed immediately at the time of ticket purchase.
The Safer Skies Act represents my renewed commitment to maintaining the highest safety standards in the air, and I look forward to working with my colleagues to ensure its swift passage. Together, we can close these critical loopholes and ensure the safety and security of all who take to the skies.
Sincerely,
