New airline safety programs announced

WASHINGTON, April 19 (UPI) -- U.S. Transportation Secretary Mary Peters has announced steps aimed at improving aviation safety and minimizing air travel disruptions.

Peters has instructed a newly created independent review team to draft recommendations aimed at improving the current aviation safety system, a department statement said.

"The mark of an effective safety system is the ability to constantly improve and adapt," said Peters. "These steps will help make inspectors and managers more accountable, keep airlines focused on safety and minimize disruptions for travelers."

The FAA will also begin a program to track inspections being conducted by field offices and alert key personnel whenever a safety inspection is overdue.

She also said a new National Safety Inspection Review team will conduct comprehensive airline safety reviews.

"Taken together, these new measures will improve aviation safety, answer tough questions and put travelers at ease," Peters said. "They will build on the historic accomplishments of this agency and the record commitment to safety that everyone involved in commercial aviation in this country shares."