| TRAFICANT, James A., Jr., |
March 27, 1998
Earlier this month Traficant introduced H.R. 3463, the "Airport Safety Act." The bill requires U.S. airports to install enhanced vision technologies to replace or enhance conventional landing light systems over the next ten years. It defines enhanced vision technologies as laser guidance, ultraviolet guidance, and cold cathode technologies. In addition, the bill makes the installation of enhanced vision technologies eligible for funding under the airport improvement program. It doesn't call for any additional federal spending.
According to the Flight Safety Foundation, loss of flight crew situational awareness is the primary cause of most airplane accidents. "Enhanced vision technologies represent a dramatic breakthrough in improving flight crew situational awareness during airplane landings -- especially in low visibility situations," said Traficant. "The U.S. military has already deployed and tested these technologies, with excellent results. Their installation will require no additional aircraft equipment. Because enhanced vision technologies use less electricity than conventional lighting landing light systems, and are less expensive to maintain, they will pay for themselves," added Traficant.
Traficant intends to attach his measure to legislation the House will consider later this year to reauthorize the programs of the Federal Aviation Administration.