US lawmakers urge DOT to probe pilot training, cockpit automation

US lawmakers, determined to leave no stone unturned as they push for answers in the aftermath of two Boeing 737 MAX crashes in five months, have asked the US Department of Transportation (DOT) auditor to investigate pilot training, with emphasis on cockpit automation and international standards. The request, made via a March 29 letter from the House Transportation and Infrastructure (T&I) committee and aviation subcommittee leadership to DOT Inspector General Calvin Scovel, targets three areas: FAA issuing new cockpit automation management guidance; Comparing pilot training standards in the US and abroad; and Reviewing cockpit automation training procedures. “An aviation accident never has just one contributing factor, and while the US remains the safest aviation system in the world we must always work to eliminate risks,” T&I committee ranking member Sam Graves said.<br/>