By Shelley Kofler
http://stream.publicbroadcasting.net/production/mp3/kera/local-kera-692225.mp3
Dallas, TX – The FAA confirms four airlines it will not name are under investigation for failing to comply with federal regulations. Three of those airlines missed deadlines for safety inspections.
FAA spokesman Roland Herwig confirms the agency's audit was prompted by revelations that Southwest Airlines continued to fly some planes last year without grounding them for required maintenance checks.
But Herwig says the audit overwhelmingly found most inspections were performed.
While the FAA's probe continues, the agency will implement internal controls that make it easier for inspectors to raise concerns about aircraft safety and protect against conflicts of interest. Whistle blowers and elected officials have raised concerns about the practices of FAA inspectors who go to work for airlines including Southwest.
The FAA and Southwest Airlines officials will be under the microscope today as they testify before the House Transportation committee in Washington. Southwest Founder Herb Kelleher, and current CEO Gary Kelly are on the committee's witness list.