Families see victory in airline safety

WASHINGTON, D.C (WIVB) - Just before midnight, Flight 3407 families got the news they've been waiting more than a year to hear.

News 4 has been following this story for over a year now, and it looks like this bill could reach the president's desk by the end of the day. A major victory for those pushing for airline safety.

It's a major legislative victory for the family of flight 3407 victims, many of whom were in Washington to see history made.

"They're the ones who decided to turn their personal tragedy into a mission to overhaul the way our airlines operate in the country and the way pilots are trained," said Representative Chris Lee.

Late Thursday night the House approved stricter safety and training standards for all commercial pilots to ensure they are trained on stall and upset recovery.

"No airline should have ever sent, in Buffalo, New York in February, two pilots who didn't have the foggiest idea how to fly in ice," said Representative Louise Slaughter.

The provisions also require at least 1,500 hours of flight time for airline pilots, up from the 250 required now.

It would also create rules governing pilot schedules to prevent fatigue.

The senate is taking up the bill Friday, and is expected to pass the legislation.