None of this serves the investigative process or aviation safety well. Before I close, let me address an issue that Duane mentioned earlier - fatigue. In the 11 years since we made those recommendations, there has been a lot of activity, but little action. However, as a result of your efforts to improve pilot rest rules, last June, the FAA announced that it intended to enforce the existing regulations concerning flight time limitations and rest requirements - regulations that date back to 1985. Although we're pleased that the FAA intends to enforce its existing regulations, we're still concerned that no further rulemaking has been taken on the overall issue of hours of service and that duty and rest requirements continue to be different for Part 121 and Part 135 operations.
Further delays are unacceptable and endanger the traveling public as well as flight crews.
Thank you, again, for inviting me to be here today. I have always been impressed with the dedication and professionalism of your members. Although we may occasionally disagree on issues, we all take our responsibility to ensure a safe transportation system seriously. By continuing to work together, we will fulfill that responsibility.