Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, March 18, 1995 TAG: 9503200047
SECTION: BUSINESS PAGE: A8 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: ASSOCIATED PRESS
DATELINE: WASHINGTON LENGTH: Medium
The Arlington, Va.-based airline ``is being operated safely, in compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and accepted airline operating ... practices,'' PRC Aviation wrote in the report released Friday by USAir.
``Our confidence in the absolute safety of our operations has never wavered,'' said USAir Chairman Seth Schofield.
USAir asked PRC Aviation, a Tucson, Ariz.,-based consulting firm, to audit the airline's procedures after public concerns were raised by a July 2 crash in Charlotte, N.C., that killed 37 and one on Sept. 8, near Pittsburgh, that claimed 132 lives.
The airline's ticket sales fell sharply after the accidents, returning to normal only after the first of the year. The airline also has reported a loss of $322 million in the fourth quarter of 1994.
PRC's report was based on a two-month audit. Schofield said the airline and its 10 regional partners flying under the USAir Express name will meet in April as a prelude to safety audits for all the regional carriers.
USAir officials said the PRC audit involved 20 inspectors who made a series of suggestions. Oaks said the airline has implemented a number of the suggestions, including:
Separating the offices of flight training and procedures.
Developing a program to train pilots for management jobs.
Requiring that at least one member of each flight crew have a minimum of 100 hours' experience in that type of airplane.
Developing a quick reference handbook for each type of aircraft.
Having mechanics talk to flight crew when a plane lands.
Putting flight logbook information directly into the airline computer system for reference.
by CNB