专家称政府停摆期间航空旅行依然安全

"...The shortage of air traffic controllers at some airports during the U.S. government shutdown may have travelers wondering if they have anything to worry about as they board their flight...."

"...Despite such inconveniences, aviation experts are confident that air travel remains safe...."

"...The bigger question for travelers, Nastro added, is "What is your tolerance in terms of facing delays and such?"..."

"...Despite several aircraft collisions and some close calls this year, research shows that airline travel has become safer in recent years...."

"..."We slow it down"..."

"...On Monday, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy addressed potential safety concerns during the shutdown on Fox Business News...."

"...He also alluded to the air traffic control staffing issues and highlighted the wider impact of just a few people not showing up for work...."

"...Still, Laura Einsetler, a captain for a U.S. airline, worries that a prolonged government shutdown could eventually affect the performance of air traffic controllers as they work without pay...."

"...Trusting pilots..."

"...Scott Keyes, founder of Going.com, said some anxiety around hopping on a plane during the government shutdown is understandable...."

"...But he emphasized that pilots have final say on whether it is unsafe to fly for whatever reason, including poor weather, mechanical problems or staffing shortages...."

"..."They are entrusted to give that last line of authority and say things are safe to fly, and they are in constant communication with air traffic control, monitoring weather systems, and what the entire flying environment looks like," Keyes said...."

"..."The risk of delays and cancellations is higher today than it was before, but I don't think that translates into a higher risk of safety accidents," he added...."

"...Harteveldt agreed that airline pilots — who aren't federal employees — wouldn't take off given any safety concerns...."

"..."When a plane departs the gate, it's the airline pilot inspecting the plane and saying, 'Yes, this plane is clear to go.' FAA inspectors, or the shutdown, have nothing to do with that," he said...."

"...Airlines for America, a lobbying group representing major airlines, last week sought to reassure the public that flying during the shutdown is safe, while acknowledging that control tower staffing shortages could lead to delays...."

"..."It is safe to fly, but ATC staffing shortages strain the system and cause flights to be spaced out, slowing down everything. In some cases, flights may be delayed or even cancelled," the group said in a statement. "The bottom line is that anyone heading to the airport right now is encouraged to pack their patience."..."