ICYMI: Barrett Continues Push For Aviation Safety in Discussion with Secretary Duffy

Washington, D.C. — Yesterday, Congressman Tom Barrett (MI-07) continued his push to advance his Military Helicopter Training Safety Act to improve aviation safety in America. During a House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee hearing, Barrett and Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy discussed the importance of equipping military helicopters with collision avoidance systems following the January mid-air collision in Washington, D.C., that claimed 67 lives.

Below are highlights from Congressman Barrett and Secretary Duffy’s exchange.

Congressman Barrett:

“[Y]our first day in office, we had this tragic collision here over the airspace in Washington, D.C., and that military aircraft that collided with the American Airlines flight.

“I’ve actually introduced a bill that would begin the process of adding the collision avoidance system that our civilian aircraft have and [would] apply that to our military rotary wing aircraft that … do not carry that on board.

“I flew the same Black Hawk helicopters that had that tragic collision over the airspace just a few miles from here. I’m curious if you have any thoughts on some of the interoperability of these systems … that may have prevented this accident from happening.”

Secretary Duffy:

“I’m grateful that you’re all focusing on this. Again, I think the rules were too loose. And again, if there’s military missions, one-hundred percent, we want to be sure you can fly without notice. … If you’re flying a mission, if you’re moving VIPs from the Pentagon, we should all see the space, and I would welcome the opportunity to work with you.”

Click here to watch the full conversation.

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