FAA To Inspect Pilot Training At Regional Airlines

WASHINGTON (AP) - Federal officials say they plan to beef up inspection of pilot training programs at regional airlines.

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood and Federal Aviation Administrator Randy Babbitt said Tuesday in a statement they will also hold an a summit meeting with the airline industry next week to seek better pilot training and other safety improvements.

Babbitt said it was clear from the crash of a regional airliner near Buffalo, New York, in February that safety needs to be improved.

Testimony at a National Transportation Safety Board hearing last month revealed that a series of critical errors by the captain and co-pilot preceded the crash of the twin engine turboprop on Feb. 12, killing 50. The flight was operated for Houston-based Continental Express by Colgan Air Inc. of Manassas, Va.