The country has seen a number of airplane accidents in the past few weeks, raising worries about flying safety. However, an expert reassures air travelers that there is no need for fear.
In just eight days, the United States encountered three tragic plane crashes. The series began with the most lethal aviation incident in the country in the last 24 years.
A collision between an Army Black Hawk helicopter and an American Airlines passenger plane occurred above Washington, D.C., on Jan. 29. This incident resulted in the loss of all 67 individuals on board both aircraft.
Investigators work the scene on Feb. 1, the day after a small plane crashed in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy told Fox News last week that America’s skies remain the safest in the world but that many of the FAA’s systems remain “antiquated” and changes could be made to improve them.
“If it wasn’t safe, if there was an issue with air traffic controllers or staffing that couldn’t keep the system and the people safe in it, the FAA would shut it down,” he said. “We do have technologies on airplanes to keep them separated … our system does need to be upgraded.”
Boyd said that with more than half a billion people getting on airplanes every year, Americans should continue to “get on the airplane … go see grandma.”
“People should not be worried about flying,” he added. “It’s a whole lot safer than driving down the highway.”
Fox News’ Alexandra Koch contributed to this report.
