Biden, FAA, DOT, Weigh In On Swine Flu
By Jennifer Michels
The FAA has issued a Safety Alert for Operators, which recommends that safety and operations directors, as well as fractional ownership program managers, become familiar with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Web site and its swine flu recommendations, and that they follow all new or revised directives.
The FAA notes that the flu, called the H1N1 virus, is a novel influenza A virus not previously identified in North America. Documents on how to screen passengers for the flu, control the infection and manage crew exposure can be found at cdc.gov/swineflu/guidance. Additional information can be found at pandemicflu.gov.
It was a day for politicians to weigh in on the issue. Following President Obama’s speech Wednesday night, in which he said it is safe to fly, Vice President Joe Biden reiterated that statement on NBC’s Today Show. But after being questioned about whether he would recommend to a family member that is safe to fly to Mexico, he emphatically stated that he wouldn’t go anywhere right now in a confined space such as an airplane or subway. His staff later clarified that he meant only in reference to Mexico.
That prompted the ATA to issue a letter to Biden that said, “While individuals who are feeling ill should remain home, no responsible officials or health care professionals have suggested that people avoid air travel.”
Later in the day, at a joint luncheon of the Aeroclub of Washington and the Wings Club, DOT Secretary Ray LaHood opened his speech by saying he spent 45 minutes meeting with the Mexican transportation secretary and assured him that flying between the two countries is safe, and will continue. He said the DOT will take its cues from the CDC, but there are no plans to halt any flights or block any borders. “Flying is safe and flying is healthy,” LaHood said.
Photo: Annette Santiago
