Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick is urging Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to maintain the implementation timeline for a critical aviation security law. This legislation, known as the Saracini Aviation Safety Act of 2018, mandates secondary cockpit barriers on all newly manufactured commercial passenger aircraft. The rule was finalized by the FAA in June 2023, allowing airlines two years to comply with installations set to begin in August 2025.
Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of this law in a formal letter to Secretary Duffy, stating, “This law was passed to protect pilots, crew, and passengers from the very vulnerabilities that terrorists exploited on 9/11. Airlines have had decades to prepare. Any attempt to further delay implementation is not only unacceptable—it’s dangerous.” He insisted that the FAA enforce this regulation without exception.
The Congressman expressed concern over Airlines for America’s renewed request for delay despite having had ample time and input into the process. Fitzpatrick warned that postponing compliance would compromise public safety and ignore Congressional intent.
In his letter, Fitzpatrick reminded Secretary Duffy of Congress’s commitment following September 11th events by passing laws like the Saracini Aviation Safety Act of 2018. He noted that “the installation of these barriers is set to begin on aircraft coming off the production line this August 2025,” highlighting that any further delays are indefensible.
Fitzpatrick also mentioned his introduction of the Saracini Enhanced Aviation Safety Act which requires retrofitting existing commercial aircraft with secondary barriers. This legislation was signed into law last year as part of the FAA Reauthorization Act of 2024.
The Saracini Aviation Safety Act honors Captain Victor Saracini, who lost his life during the September 11 attacks when United Flight 175 was hijacked and flown into the World Trade Center’s South Tower. The act aims to improve cockpit security and prevent similar incidents in the future.
