Aviation Safety Legislation Honors Bucks Co. 9/11 Pilot

LOWER MAKEFIELD TOWNSHIP, PA —Legislation introduced by U.S. Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick calling for enhanced aviation safety honors a pilot from Lower Makefield Township who died in the Sept. 11 attacks.

Fitzpatrick has introduced the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act, legislation that would mandate the installation of secondary cockpit barriers in commercial passenger aircraft in order to protect American citizens from potential terrorist attacks similar to 9/11.

The legislation honors Capt. Victor J. Saracini, who lost his life after his plane was hijacked and flown into the South Tower of the World Trade Center on Sept. 11, 2001.

Under the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act, airlines would be required to install wire-mesh gates —that are inexpensive and lightweight —on all aircraft between the passenger cabin and cockpit door, blocking access to the flight deck while in the air.

“Over two decades have passed since radical terrorists hijacked my husband’s airplane on our own soil, and our nation’s aircraft are still not equipped to adequately respond to the exact same attack that happened on Sept. 11,” said Saracini’s widow, Ellen, who has become a national advocate for aviation safety.

“I am committed to ensuring that secondary cockpit barriers are included on all commercial aircraft, and I’m grateful to this group of bipartisan lawmakers for introducing this legislation," she said. "We must secure our skies and protect passengers, flight crews, and potential targets from the threat of any future breach."

Fitzpatrick introduced the legislation along with Representatives Josh Gottheimer (D-NJ), Chris Smith (R-NJ), André Carson (D-IN), Tom Kean Jr. (R-NJ), and Stephen F. Lynch (D-MA).

The legislation is endorsed by the Air Line Pilots Association, and Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA) is leading the Senate companion to be introduced at a later date.

Fitzpatrick said Congress has made "great progress" on aircraft safety.

“Securing the safety of our nation’s aviation is critical to keeping our nation safe," said Fitzpatrick, who introduced the legislation last month. "Together, we must do everything in our power to ensure that the horrific events of 9/11 are never able to happen again.”