Flying Becoming Less Safe in ‘Disturbing Trend,’ Ex-FAA Investigator Warns

A Surge in Aviation Accidents: Public Concern and Scrutiny Intensify

The year 2025 has seen a disturbing spike in aviation accidents in the United States, leading to heightened public concern and increased scrutiny of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). The deadliest incident occurred on January 29 when an American Airlines jet and a military helicopter collided in Washington, D.C., resulting in 67 fatalities—the highest death toll in a U.S. aviation accident since 2001. This tragedy was followed by another fatal crash involving a Cessna aircraft in Alaska, claiming the lives of all 10 passengers. More recently, a Delta-operated jet overturned during landing at Toronto Pearson Airport, miraculously without any deaths. These incidents have sparked widespread fear among the flying public and raised urgent questions about aviation safety.

The FAA, already under fire, faces bipartisan calls for thorough investigations and safety improvements. Jeff Guzzetti, former director of the FAA’s accident investigation division, emphasized the agency’s critical role in aviation safety, stating that its extensive control over aviation activities brings a significant responsibility to ensure safety. Despite these efforts, public anxiety persists, fueled by the clustering of these incidents.

Is Flying Becoming Less Safe?

While the number of fatalities in 2025 already exceeds last year’s totals, the overall number of both fatal and non-fatal incidents has not significantly increased since 2020, according to data from the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). However, this statistical stability offers little reassurance to the public, as the recent cluster of accidents has raised alarms. Hassan Shahid, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, acknowledged that while aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, each incident serves as a stark reminder of the need for continuous vigilance.

Experts caution against drawing conclusions based solely on the timing of these accidents. They emphasize that aviation safety requires constant improvement and that even a single incident is a reminder of the complexities involved in maintaining safety standards. As investigations into these crashes unfold, the focus remains on understanding the root causes to prevent future tragedies.

FAA Under Fire: Accountability and Criticism

The recent crashes have brought the FAA under intense scrutiny, with questions about its role in these incidents. Jeff Guzzetti suggested that the FAA may bear some responsibility, depending on the specific circumstances of each crash. The agency, however, has refrained from commenting on ongoing investigations, instead highlighting its safety-focused programs and initiatives.

One of the most contentious debates surrounding the FAA concerns staffing shortages. The Professional Aviation Safety Specialists (PASS) union has repeatedly warned that the agency is understaffed, both in technical workforce and aviation safety inspectors. An internal FAA report revealed that only one air traffic controller was handling traffic on the night of the D.C. crash, a staffing level deemed "not normal." The FAA acknowledges needing nearly 3,000 additional air traffic controllers to meet its operational demands.

This staffing crisis has been exacerbated by the Trump administration’s recent decision to fire hundreds of probationary FAA employees, including some in safety-critical roles. Democratic Senator Maria Cantwell criticized these firings, arguing that they inject unnecessary risk into the airspace, especially in the wake of recent deadly crashes. The FAA’s employee union has echoed these concerns, emphasizing the critical importance of maintaining a fully staffed safety workforce.

The Case for Reforms and Modernization

Experts and stakeholders are calling for immediate reforms to address the FAA’s challenges. Alan Diehl, a former aviation safety adviser for the NTSB, has proposed two key changes: removing the mandatory retirement age of 56 for air traffic controllers and establishing an independent corporate entity to oversee air traffic control, as is the case in most other countries. Diehl argued that such a change would allow for more timely updates to equipment and facilities, funded by user fees rather than the current complex appropriation and authorization processes.

The need for modernization is further underscored by the growing demands of air traffic, which is expected to continue growing in the coming years. Ensuring an adequate number of highly qualified air traffic controllers is critical to maintaining safe and efficient operations. The FAA must also address its technical workforce shortages, particularly in maintaining and operating safety-critical equipment such as radars, navigational aids, and communications technology.

The Trump administration’s approach to aviation safety has drawn criticism for being unclear and counterproductive. While the administration touts the need to modernize air traffic control and hire "geniuses" at the FAA, it has simultaneously diminished the agency’s resources by firing employees and failing to provide stable leadership. This lack of a coherent strategy has raised concerns among experts and lawmakers alike.

Leadership Vacuum at the FAA

The FAA is currently without permanent leadership, a situation that has drawn sharp criticism from lawmakers. Mike Whitaker, who led the agency since October 2023, resigned in January 2025 after months of pressure from Elon Musk, who was angered by the FAA fining SpaceX over $600,000 for alleged safety violations during two launches in 2023. Whitaker’s departure has left the agency rudderless at a time when it faces significant challenges.

Democratic lawmakers, including Senator Elizabeth Warren, have accused Musk of influencing Whitaker’s resignation, potentially creating a conflict of interest between the FAA and Musk’s business interests. Senator Maria Cantwell has called on Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy to ensure that all conflicts of interest between the FAA and Musk are removed, emphasizing the need for a permanent, Senate-confirmed administrator to lead the agency.

Hassan Shahid of the Flight Safety Foundation has stressed the importance of installing a permanent FAA administrator to provide stable leadership and address urgent safety concerns. Without a confirmed leader, the agency is ill-equipped to tackle the complex challenges it faces, from staffing shortages to air traffic control modernization.

The Path Forward: Prioritizing Safety and Accountability

The recent surge in aviation accidents has highlighted the urgent need for reforms within the FAA and the broader aviation system. Addressing staffing shortages, modernizing air traffic control, and ensuring stable leadership are all critical steps to restore public confidence and enhance safety.

The FAA must also contend with the broader challenge of public perception. While statistics show that aviation remains one of the safest modes of transportation, the clustering of high-profile incidents has understandably shaken travelers. Open communication, transparency in investigations, and a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement will be essential in reassuring the public.

Lawmakers, experts, and stakeholders are united in their call for immediate action. This includes not only addressing the FAA’s staffing and leadership challenges but also reevaluating its approach to safety oversight and modernization. The flying public deserves nothing less than the highest standard of safety, and it is the responsibility of the FAA and the broader aviation community to ensure that this standard is met.

In conclusion, the recent series of aviation accidents has brought the FAA and the U.S. aviation system to a crossroads. The path forward requires a combination of immediate reforms, stable leadership, and a renewed commitment to safety. Only through these efforts can the confidence of the flying public be restored and the safety of U.S. skies be ensured.