FAA re-authorization bill up for vote

WASHINGTON, D.C. (WIVB) - Another year-long battle is ending on Capitol Hill, with a vote underway to bolster airline safety in the wake of the Flight 3407 tragedy.

This vote is expected to come Monday night on the Senate floor, and the families of Flight 3407 victims think it a big improvement.

The Senate is expected to pass a Re-authorization Bill that will require all commercial co-pilots to have at least 800 hours of in-flight training that includes some nighttime flying and even real-life icing conditions. That is more than triple the 250 hours that co-pilots are required to have now. This bill will also make purchasing airline tickets more transparent.

Senator Charles Schumer said, "After this bill passes, when you go online and you're not flying Continental, but rather Colgan, a commuter airline under the umbrella of one of the regional airlines, you'll notice that online, and if you choose not to fly this commuter airline, that'll be your choice."

"Ya know, when Darren bought his ticket, it said Continental. I never heard of Colgan Airlines before February 12," said Robin Tolsma, wife of Flight 3407 victim.

This bill is also expected to gain easy passage in the House, then be signed by the President probably by July. Senator Schumer expects it will become law by Labor Day.