Sky High Failures Demand Stronger FAA Oversight, Not Industry Self-Regulation

The skies used to feel like a promise of freedom. Then, early 2025 brought a midair collision over the Potomac, claiming 64 lives. A regional jet skidded off a Toronto runway. A panel broke free mid-flight over Oregon. These rare but devastating events shook travelers. Public confidence in air travel dropped from 71 percent in 2024 to 64 percent by February. Safety, the foundation of aviation, seemed to wobble.

This week, the Federal Aviation Administration gathered airline leaders, industry groups, and labor organizations to confront these failures. They discussed Safety Management Systems, artificial intelligence, and complex airspace challenges. Acting FAA Administrator Chris Rocheleau insisted commercial air travel remains the safest transport in history. Yet recent tragedies reveal a hard truth. Safe isn’t enough. We need relentless commitment to prevent even one loss.

Certain industry advocates argue airlines can regulate themselves, pointing to a 95 percent drop in fatalities per 100 million passengers over two decades. The data is striking. But when 503 air traffic control lapses occurred in 2022–2023, each one risked catastrophe. Relying solely on airlines to prioritize safety feels like trusting chance. Can we afford that gamble with lives at stake?

Safety Management Systems, required for over 700 air carriers and 3,300 airports, provide a framework for identifying hazards and analyzing risks. Collaborative efforts like the Commercial Aviation Safety Team and the Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing system use shared data to catch problems early. These initiatives have driven down crash rates significantly. However, their reliance on voluntary participation leaves gaps, especially when profits compete with safety or staffing shortages strain operations.

Artificial intelligence holds promise for aviation. The FAA, working with Boeing and global partners, plans to use AI for predictive maintenance and traffic optimization. Early systems have reduced unscheduled maintenance by 25 percent. But certifying AI is complex. Unpredictable algorithms, unclear decision processes, and data security risks demand strict regulation. Without FAA enforcement, AI could undermine safety instead of strengthening it.

Staffing shortages add urgency. Air traffic control errors surged 65 percent in recent years, linked to understaffing. The 2024 FAA Reauthorization Act, backed by Democratic lawmakers, calls for more controllers and inspectors. Labor unions, including the Air Line Pilots Association, press for full funding of these measures. Delays in action cost lives. Why haven’t we prioritized this?

Some airline representatives claim additional regulations hinder progress. They argue that Safety Management Systems and voluntary data-sharing allow the industry to manage risks effectively. They emphasize flexibility and market-driven accountability. But this overlooks a critical flaw. Airlines face constant pressure to reduce costs. A 2022 rise in technician injuries revealed how safety culture can erode without oversight. Only FAA enforcement, with more inspectors and clear rules, ensures accountability.

In 2018, the Trump administration responded to a crash with a call for quick assessments but avoided new regulations, favoring industry solutions. Yet 2025’s tragedies show voluntary measures aren’t enough. When a helicopter and jet collide over a city, the public demands action, not assurances of self-correction. Trust requires enforcement, not promises.

The path forward starts with empowering the FAA. Democratic proposals for an independent Office of Aviation Safety would provide transparency through public safety dashboards. Next, we must invest in personnel. The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Airport & Airway Trust Fund can support more controllers, inspectors, and rural air service. Additionally, AI must face rigorous standards, ensuring explainable systems and human oversight to avoid overreliance.

Labor unions lead the way, advocating for anonymous reporting, safety culture surveys, and mentorship to protect workers and passengers. The FAA should deepen partnerships with them, not just airlines, to restore confidence. Passengers also deserve protections like guaranteed refunds and family seating, because safety includes respect.

Another tragedy would be one too many. The skies carry families, hopes, and futures. Strengthening the FAA ensures every flight lands safely. It’s about vigilance, accountability, and trust. Who will stand for a system that puts lives first?