The Federal Aviation Administration recently began firing hundreds of workers, raising concerns over airline safety. The latest cuts come in the wake of several recent plane crashes, including a January 27 midair collision between an Army helicopter and American Airlines plane in Washington, D.C., that killed 67 people. The Trump administration says that nobody with a “critical safety” position has been terminated, but union officials and former workers say some were in safety-related roles. We’ll look at what it all means for the state of aviation safety and the future of flying.
FAA Firings, Recent Crashes Spark Airline Safety Fears
A worker looks out at a passing Delta Airlines plane in Terminal 1 at Ronald Reagan National Airport, on February 6, 2025 in Arlington, Virginia. (Al Drago/Getty Images)
Guests:
Mark DeSaulnier, United States Congressman, Representing 10th district of California (the East Bay); author of the “Safe Landings Act (2024)”
Todd Yeary, former air traffic controller
Bill McGee, Senior Fellow for Aviation and Travel, American Economic Liberties Project
Lori Aratani, Reporter focusing on transportation issues, including airports, airlines, and the nation's railroad and subway systems, The Washington Post
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