Continental CEO blames FAA for 3407

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) - The families of Flight 3407 have demanded stricter pilot safety standards in the aftermath of the Clarence Center tragedy. That made Thursday's remarks from the Continental Airlines boss even more astounding.

A hearing on a proposed merger between United and Continental Airlines took on a decidedly testy tone on Capitol Hill when talk turned to the crash of Flight 3407 in Clarence Center.

Continental Airlines CEO Jeffrey Smisek said, “That is the responsibility of the Federal Aviation Administration. We expect our regional carriers... Sir, that is your responsibility.”

The CEO of Continental Airlines tried to deflect responsibility for training of regional carrier pilots onto the FAA.

“But we can't possibly be responsible with the limited resources we have for the safety of every carrier on the globe and every carrier that's out there,” added Smisek.

Jennifer West responded, “It was just ridiculous.”

The comments stopped West dead in her tracks. She lost her husband, Ernie, on Flight 3407. West says what she heard is the familiar blame game she's seen time and again since the crash.

“I think when you buy a ticket, it should say you have a 50/50 chance of crashing and dying, because we don't have the resources to monitor the training of our contracted airline,” commented West.

West is getting ready for an arbitration hearing here in Buffalo in the wrongful death lawsuit she filed against Continental, Colgan and Bombardier.

West added, “It'll be the first time I'll be meeting reps of Colgan, Continental, and Bombardier where I can look them in the eye and tell them what a great man they killed. It's ridiculous that I feel Ernie is on trial for buying a ticket on their airline.”