Statement From Colgan Air
MEMPHIS, TN - 02/18/09— Colgan Air, Inc., a
subsidiary of Pinnacle Airlines Corp. (NASDAQ: PNCL), today issued
the following statement regarding the ongoing National Transportation
Safety Board (NTSB) investigation of Flight 3407:
Historically, NTSB investigations are confidential and involve a
thorough determination of the facts before public statements are made.
Colgan Air continues to cooperate in every respect with the NTSB as
it conducts the investigation. As such, we will respect the integrity
of the NTSB ongoing investigation by not commenting on specifics.
However, we do feel compelled to comment on public speculation about
potential causes of the accident.
Here are the facts about our operations. Colgan has instilled a
systemic culture of safety throughout our organization that is rooted
in significant investment in crew training, systems, leadership and
equipment.
Our crew training programs meet or exceed the regulatory requirements
for all major airlines. Our ground and air training is designed in
coordination with the aircraft manufacturer, one of the most respected
providers of aviation flight training and the Federal Aviation
Administration utilizing state-of the-art training devices such as
full-motion simulators, among others.
In addition, Colgan has committed significant financial resources to
upgrade aircraft safety, efficiency and quality in recent years. The
Q400 is a sophisticated, highly capable aircraft that is designed for
cold-weather operations with a long, proven history of safe
operations globally.
Captain Renslow had 3,379 total hours of flight experience and was
Airline Transport Pilot rated, which is the highest level of
certification available. That rating, combined with 172 hours of
formal training on the Q400 aircraft, qualified him fully in
accordance with all applicable Federal Aviation Regulations.
We continuously review our safety policies and training procedures as
part of our everyday operations. In the wake of an accident, we are
even more focused on ensuring our operations remain safe and have
specifically reexamined our procedures for this aircraft. We have
reinforced strict adherence to all of our flight operations policies,
including flying during icing conditions.
We continue to fly confidently and appreciate the support of our
partners and customers.
Media contact:
1-866-978-9961
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http://www.colganair.com