s is at risk. They can even temporarily decertify an entire type of aircraft if it is felt that there are safety concerns with it ("Hinson"). The problem that they face is that there are far too many aircraft in service today and they are being serviced in too many places for the FAA to provide adequate inspections. They have, however, done everything they can to rectify the situation while operating within their means. They have implemented a change in its policies for handling its revocations ("Hinson"). This has resulted in an increase in the number of revocations and overall has provided a better atmosphere for handling safety issues in a timely manner. The FAA has taken steps to beef up the inspections and toughen the oversight on airlines maintenance programs ("Hinson"). The FAA is not without it's problems even now, however. They delayed telling airlines about aircraft control cables that they had discovered were faulty (Sullivan 08). The same cables were in use by aircraft owned by both civilian airlines and the US Air Force. The Air Force immediately tested the cables and found that they broke at less than half their design stress. The FAA did not test the cables and did not notify the airlines, thus creating a potentially serious situation (Sullivan 08). This just underscores the need for adequate funding and personnel by the FAA. The FAA is obviously doing everything that it can under the circumstances, however the trend toward cost cutting and compromise of maintenance programs is continuing. It is showing no signs of lessening due to the fact that the airlines are continually being squeezed between needing to lower fares and pay higher maintenance costs....
