3407 families write to President Obama

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) - New pilot safety rules were signed into law, so why are they taking so long to take effect?

Seven local family members who lost loved ones in that crash returned to D.C. on Tuesday. It was their 43rd trip in two-and-a-half years to raise awareness on this critical issue of pilot fatigue. On Tuesday, they reached out to the President, urging him to implement the new rules.

Karen Eckert said, "Lightning did strike our family twice. You say it can't happen again, it did."

The sisters of Beverly Eckert traveled to Washington with a message to the President. They and other families, who lost loved ones on Flight 3407, urged him to make sure that new safety reforms for pilots are finally implemented.

"You have the power to do something to get this rule out, get it on the books. This rule will save lives," said Eckert.

The new safety rules on pilot fatigue were supposed to take effect August 1st, but six weeks have passed without any action. In the face of opposition from airlines, the White House Office of Management and Budget is now analyzing the issue. The airlines say the rules would increase their costs. The 3407 group doesn't buy it.

Kevin Kuwik said, "Each time we go through one of these rule making processes, the industry is going to say they cost too much, that it's not fair, the sky is falling. We don't want to hear the sky is falling from the airlines, our sky has already fallen."

The Eckert sisters brought a photo of their sister, who died in the crash, and a photo of her husband, Sean Rooney, who was killed on September 11th. Both photos served to remind the President of Beverly's effort to improve aviation security lapses.

Within four months of the terrorist attacks, the airlines were ordered to reinforce all cockpit doors, despite costs. Beverly died two-and-a-half years ago, and the pilot fatigue regulations have yet to be changed.

Susan Bourque said, "So I'm asking the President, do we have to wait another ten years and another tragedy before these regulations are finally approved?"

Senator Charles Schumer said, "We're urging the Office of Management and Budget to first, get it done quickly, and second, not change them."

Last year, the President offered reassurances to Flight 3407 family members, that he would make sure the regulations were enacted, and they're holding him to his word.

On top of writing President Obama a letter, families met with White House officials Tuesday afternoon. Their concern is that the Office of Management and Budget might rewrite some of the regulations, due to cost concerns by the airline industry. The office has until November 22nd to act.

You can read the letter from Flight 3407 families to President Obama here.