Washington Headquarters Press Release

Statement on FAA Audit

Acting Federal Aviation Administrator Robert Sturgell today directed the federal aviation inspectors to reconfirm that commercial carriers operating within the United States have complied with all airworthiness directives. Sturgell noted that one recent failure to comply with one such directive prompted him to validate that all other carriers were in full compliance.

“While the data tell us flying is safer than ever, prudence dictates we take this additional precaution and conduct a special emphasis review,” Sturgell said.

Sturgell said an initial review would be completed by March 28 and that the full audit would be completed no later than June 30.

An airworthiness directive is a legally enforceable rule issued by the Federal Aviation Administration to correct an unsafe condition in an aviation product. Air carriers are responsible for complying with all such directives.

Attached is an email from Associate Administrator for Aviation Safety Nicholas Sabatini that was sent to top air carrier officials.