Airline safety concern

KUSA - Since the 9/11 attacks, the threat of terrorism has been a constant concern.

Now, according to a just-released investigation by Consumer Reports, there may be yet another serious air-safety concern. The investigation reveals that the outsourcing of airline maintenance and current government oversight of the industry could be setting the stage for disaster.

The investigation found maintenance work being done in Mexico, Singapore, and the Philippines. And with unlicensed mechanics. Federal rules allow that, as long as one licensed mechanic signs off on the work. In addition to proper training, security is another concern. Undocumented workers have been found, and at one facility a terrorism suspect was arrested.

At the same time the airlines have cut back on in-house maintenance, Consumer Reports' investigation reveals that the Federal Aviation Administration is changing how it oversees that maintenance. The investigation found that the FAA is increasingly relying on statistical measures instead of doing a visual inspection. A Government Accountability Office report says that what is happening at the FAA represents a cultural shift in the way the agency oversees the aviation industry. The Chairman of the House Transportation Committee says that is not acceptable.

Airlines officials contacted by Consumer Reports say safety is their number one priority, but note outsourcing is more economical. In a statement, the FAA says there has been no indication that the margin of safety has been reduced because of outsourced maintenance. The probe by Consumer Reports' suggests otherwise.