Letter to Inspector General Scovel III and Vice Chairman Dinh-Zarr - Schumer Demands Inspector General Investigation Into Faa Approval Process to Examine How "doors Off' Flights, Dangerous Harness System Ever Received Fed Approval in the First Place; and to Do Thorough Examination of What Other Unsafe Practices Might Still Be Allowed

Letter

Dear Inspector General Scovel III and Vice Chairman Dinh-Zarr

We write today in response to the tragic helicopter crash that occurred in the East River on Sunday March 11th. While we appreciate the immediate response of the NTSB, and have the utmost confidence in your investigation and look forward to its results, we'd also like to request that a more in-depth review be conducted to determine how the harness system and "doors off' flight operations were ever approved to begin with. Clearly something went remarkably wrong with the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) review and approval of these sorts of operations and it's imperative that your organizations shed additional light on that entire process.

As you are aware, there are considerable statues, regulations, and recommendations that govern helicopter operations in the United States. It is incredibly concerning to us that given all of those safeguards and requirements, an operation that on its face seems so clearly to be unsafe, was ever given authority to operate in the first place.

It's our understanding that the Federal Aviation Administration has now taken steps to limit "doors off' flights and the restraint system that were in place during this crash, and we applaud them for taking that action. However, a deep dive into the FAA policies and practices for reviewing the crashworthiness of helicopters is clearly needed in this case and your two agencies should work together to accomplish that. In addition, your agencies should thoroughly review that exact review, testing, and approval process that was conducted before authorizing this specific safety and restraint system.

Between 1991 and 1994 a number of safety regulations were updated for helicopter operations, and yet since that time a number of reports and findings have indicated that compliance with those regulations remains limited. Either as a result of grandfathered approvals, or safety waivers, it seems likely that many helicopters operating in the United States today do not meet modern safety standards. In that vein, we'd also ask that you take a thorough and complete look at how the FAA and United States Department of Transportation is conducting oversight, enforcement, and encouraging compliance with modern safety standards.

Both of these reviews, first, how the harness that was in place during the tragic crash in the East River received its original approval for use, and second, what role has the FAA played in ensuring helicopters in use today meet modern safety standards should be critical pieces of your investigation into this tragic accident. This information can help further guide appropriate federal action and prevent further tragedies of this kind.

We appreciate your efforts on this matter, should you need further information please do not hesitate to contact our offices.

Sincerely,

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