Information on the FAA Regulation of the Aircraft Parts Manufacturing Industry
B-214803: Published: Apr 16, 1984. Publicly Released: Apr 16, 1984.
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In response to a congressional request, GAO reviewed the Federal Aviation Administration's (FAA) practices and procedures to regulate aircraft and engine parts manufacturers.
FAA has tried to change the Parts Manufacturing Approval (PMA) process for several years to eliminate procedural burdens, improve safety, and standardize the process between FAA regions. However, parts manufacturers have resisted the changes because they believe that the FAA actions would restrict small business opportunities, and original equipment manufacturers are concerned about protecting proprietary design data. GAO found that parts manufacturers and original equipment manufacturers have generally been satisfied with the PMA process. FAA officials and those who use parts manufactured under the PMA process found no safety problems with the parts. GAO found that original equipment manufacturers, parts manufacturers, and repair facilities oppose an FAA-proposed rule to allow parts certification without FAA verification because of air safety.
Nov 8, 2018
Grade-Crossing Safety:
DOT Should Evaluate Whether Program Provides States Flexibility to Address Ongoing ChallengesGAO-19-80: Published: Nov 8, 2018. Publicly Released: Nov 8, 2018.
Oct 3, 2018
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Positive Train Control:
Most Passenger Railroads Expect to Request an Extension and Substantial Work Remains Beyond 2018GAO-19-135T: Published: Oct 3, 2018. Publicly Released: Oct 3, 2018.
Sep 13, 2018
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Positive Train Control:
Most Railroads Expect to Request an Extension, and Substantial Work Remains Beyond 2018GAO-18-692T: Published: Sep 13, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 13, 2018.
Sep 5, 2018
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Great Lakes-St. Lawrence Seaway:
Assessing Risks and Measuring Performance Could Improve Maritime TransportationGAO-18-610: Published: Sep 5, 2018. Publicly Released: Sep 5, 2018.
Jul 30, 2018
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Public Transit Partnerships:
Additional Information Needed to Clarify Data Reporting and Share Best PracticesGAO-18-539: Published: Jul 30, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 30, 2018.
Jul 26, 2018
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Aviation Security:
Basic Training Program for Transportation Security Officers Would Benefit from Performance Goals and MeasuresGAO-18-552: Published: Jul 26, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 26, 2018.
Jul 19, 2018
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Highway and Transit Projects:
Better Data Needed to Assess Changes in the Duration of Environmental ReviewsGAO-18-536: Published: Jul 19, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 19, 2018.
Jul 12, 2018
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Aviation Security:
Actions Needed to Better Identify and Track U.S.-Bound Public Charter Operations from CubaGAO-18-526: Published: Jul 12, 2018. Publicly Released: Jul 12, 2018.
May 31, 2018
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Capital Investment Grants Program:
FTA Should Address Several Statutory ProvisionsGAO-18-462: Published: May 31, 2018. Publicly Released: May 31, 2018.
May 29, 2018
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Interstate Pipeline Inspections:
Additional Planning Could Help DOT Determine Appropriate Level of State ParticipationGAO-18-461: Published: May 29, 2018. Publicly Released: May 29, 2018.
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