The 33rd Annual FAA Aviation Forecast Conference finished up a few days ago... and provided "an opportunity for senior leaders from across the aviation community to look forward and share their views on the future of the aviation industry."

As the theme of this year's conference suggests, congestion and environmental issues pose two of the greatest challenges to the future health of aviation. Prominent industry and government leaders discussed the impacts of these issues and possible solutions for consumers and operators, as well as financial challenges and future market opportunities.

SecTrans Peters started her remarks like those of FAA's Sturgell, with a defense of the seemingly indefensible, by stating that, "Before I begin my remarks on the forecast, I want to address media reports of serious allegations that FAA inspectors knew about safety lapses and yet allowed them to continue. These stories raise questions about the safety of our aviation system. Let me start by saying that the best way to measure the effectiveness of any safety system is to closely examine the data you have available. And the data we have today tells us that commercial aviation is safer than it has ever been before. Indeed, the most recent data from the National Transportation Safety Board showing that U.S. airlines has point one major accidents for every million hours flown confirms that fact..."

Aero-TV is pleased to present the entire speech, in two parts, unedited for your perusal. This gives you the chance to do what so few could do... judge the entire presentation for yourself. Herewith...

Aero-TV Presents The Secretary Of Transportation, Mary Peters, At The FAA Forecast Conference

FMI: www.dot.gov

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