(WXYZ) — Rep. Debbie Dingell sent a letter to the Federal Aviation Administration demanding answers over a Detroit Metro Airport landing approach that's causing safety concerns.
The 7 Investigators were the first to expose a risky landing practice at the airport back in 2020.
Related Story: US Special Counsel: Metro Airport landing approach may create 'danger for landing aircraft and flying public'
The planes on the westernmost runway must approach at an angle, using the Instrument Landing System (ILS) Yankee Off Set Localizer. It’s an antenna system, but Air Traffic Controllers say its placement at Metro results in the signal getting interrupted, especially when other planes taxi right in front of it.
“I think all passengers and the public are owed answers about why they went back using a system that has been demonstrated to have potential problems and how are they guaranteeing passengers and the airlines that they are safe?” asked Representative Debbie Dingell (D-Dearborn).
After the 7 Investigators revealed last week how the Special Counsel was yet again asking for a safety review, the congresswoman sent her own letter to the Federal Aviation Administration demanding answers to several questions.
“When I saw the OSC report and I, quite frankly, saw your coverage of the issue, that it was being used again — I'm someone that flies into Detroit on a regular basis. So, I pay attention to safety issues at Metro,” Dingell told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo. “I cannot find a good explanation for why they returned to using this system.”
Dingell’s letter asks why the FAA has still been using the approach, she wants to know what alternative systems the FAA is exploring, and what are they doing to address the interference issues?
“It's been documented so many times and so many whistleblowers have come forward. Does it concern you that they have yet to do anything about this?” asked Catallo.
“It does concern me, but that's why I am sending this letter. And as you know, I am not exactly someone who let go of something. I'm going to dig in, demand answers, and I don't care which administration is responsible at FAA. We need answers and we need to demand that passengers are safe,” said Dingell.
The 7 Investigators have asked to speak the Transportation Secretary about this issue; we are waiting to hear back.
Meanwhile, the FAA’s only response is “We are aware and reviewing the matter.” They denied our request for an on-camera interview.
If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com
