GAO: African aviation safety needs U.S. wings

GAO: African aviation safety needs U.S. wings    A congressional watchdog agency said the U.S. government should do more to help African countries improve their dismal aviation safety and security track records by renewing commitment to the Transportation Department's Safe Skies for Africa (SSFA) program, created in 1998 by a presidential initiative.
   Under the program, DOT, the Federal Aviation Administration and State Department are supposed to work together to help African countries meet international safety standards by providing technical assistance and training.
   The Government Accountability Office's evaluation of the program found that it has suffered from inconsistent levels of funding since its inception. These funding levels have ranged from a high of $8.5 million in the State Department's budget in fiscal year 2003 to zero appropriations in fiscal years 2008 and 2009.
   DOT officials told the GAO that current budgetary and personnel limitations hinder their ability to effectively implement the SSFA program. The department focuses on limited SSFA activities to countries making 'tangible progress' in improving safety, rather than directing activities in all participating countries, the GAO said.
   The GAO recommended that the transportation secretary lead a collaborative effort with the FAA administrator and secretary of state to reassess the SSFA program's goals and identify the budget and human resource levels needed to meet these goals. The agency also encouraged the transportation secretary to develop 'a comprehensive strategy to lead efforts to coordinate the government-wide resources available to accomplish the SSFA program's goals.'