Lawmakers Seek Separation for FAA, Airlines

WASHINGTON --

A bipartisan group of lawmakers is taking steps to end the Federal Aviation Administration's sometimes cozy relationship with the U.S. airline industry.

Several House Democrats and Republicans led by Minnesota Rep. James Oberstar are rolling out legislation to prod the FAA to step up its oversight of airlines.

Late last month, the U.S. Department of Transportation launched an investigation into FAA practices including how the agency reviews flight risk, its air carrier compliance measures and its oversight of maintenance practices.

In April, FAA inspectors testified at a congressional hearing that their jobs were threatened when they reported maintenance and inspection problems with some airlines.