The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) said Monday it has launched a program to help make it easier for staff overseeing Boeing and other airplane manufacturers to report safety concerns.
An independent survey released in August found FAA safety employees said they faced “strong” external pressure from industry and raised concerns the agency does not always prioritize air safety, Reuters reported.
The survey gave ammunition to critics who argued in the aftermath of two fatal Boeing 737 MAX crashes that the FAA had not done enough to insulate employees from industry pressure.
See also: FAA mandates 737 MAX additional inspections.
The FAA said on Monday the new program for the 7,400 employees in its Aviation Safety office will allow them to report confidentially any safety concerns without fear of punitive action.
The office oversees manufacturers, airlines, maintenance providers, aviation medical practitioners and flight crews.
“We can never be satisfied with the status quo when it comes to safety, and the free exchange of vital information is a cornerstone of safety and continual improvement,” said FAA Administrator Steve Dickson in a statement.
“We want our employees to know that when they speak up, they can be sure someone is listening.”
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