The Buffalo News reported today that “Government inspectors harshly criticized the Federal Aviation Administration for its response to the Colgan Air crash in Clarence a year ago, saying the agency’s effort to get airlines to voluntarily fix safety problems had not addressed the problems the accident raised.” It was reported that the FAA has fallen behind in developing tougher rules on pilot training and fatigue, and has inadequately reviewed training programs at the airlines. The inspectors found that FAA initiates are falling behind or not reaching their goals. Although Colgan would like to focus on human error as the cause of the accident, proper pilot training and overworked pilots are at the source of the problem. By failing to voluntarily address the safety issues properly, Colgan has shown that it main concern is not the safety of its passengers, and that it places business concerns above all else.
USDA revokes Beef Product exemption
December 31, 2009
According to the New York Times, Beef Products, Inc. is a South Dakota company that essentially uses beef products such fatty trimmings the industry once relegated to pet food and cooking oil, treats them with ammonia to kill bacteria, and puts them back into the market.