Audit Report
FAA Followed Its Policy When Responding to Fume Events in Boeing 737 MAX 8 Aircraft, But Further Assessment Is Warranted
Our Objective(s)
To assess the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) actions in response to recent incidents of toxic smoke and fumes entering aircrafts’ cockpit or cabin when load reduction devices (LRD) are activated. Our findings are organized as follows: (1) FAA’s Corrective Action Review Board’s (CARB) recommendation, (2) additional safety concerns identified by accident investigators, (3) potential issues unaddressed by the CARB, and (4) FAA’s Flight Standards’ assessment of simulator technology.
Why This Audit
In March and December 2023, bird strikes damaged the engines of Boeing 737 MAX 8 airplanes, causing oil mist and irritating fumes to enter the aircraft and putting aircrews and passengers at risk. In light of these incidents, and the disagreement between FAA offices about adoption of interim changes which could affect safety, we initiated this audit.
Read the full Audit Report.
Find all of the OIG's New Audit Announcements.
 PHMSA INTERPRETATIONS
You can find all PHMSA Interpretations by clicking here.
Request for Comments for the 2028 Emergency Response Guidebook
PHMSA is announcing the open period for comments on the 2028 Emergency Response Guidebook (ERG). To pursue the objective of continually improving the ERG, PHMSA is open for comments related to new methodologies and considerations for future editions of the ERG.
Please submit any recommendations to improve the 2028 ERG to ERGComments@dot.gov. Comments must be submitted by January 1, 2027, for consideration.
Read the latest from PHMSA's newsroom by clicking here.
 Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) 'CALLBACK' Newsletter Highlights
Aviation Maintenance Heroes
This month, CALLBACK offers reports that reveal courage in the AMT character, bold actions, and results that motivate. Contemplate the actions, recognize the commitment, and respect the results. Appreciate those special talents and qualities displayed by each AMT, and thank your Aviation Maintenance Hero the next time you fly.
Read the full newsletter from ASRS here.
TSA Welcomes FIFA World Cup 2026™ Fans
As the United States proudly hosts the FIFA World Cup, TSA is dedicated to ensuring a safe and seamless travel experience for visitors from around the globe.
Our World Cup Security Playbook is filled with pro tips for navigating the TSA checkpoint, so you can enjoy a championship-level experience while we keep your journey smooth and secure. With TSA in your corner, you can be sure your World Cup travels are just as memorable as the matches.
Visit the TSA World Cup Security Playbook for more information.
 Suspicious Mail
Dangerous mail includes mail bombs, hoax devices, suspicious substances, or any matter that may cause harm. The likelihood of anyone receiving a harmful biological or chemical agent is extremely remote. Postal Inspectors within the Dangerous Mail Investigations Program are specially trained to recognize the common characteristics of suspicious mail and use an array of specialized screening equipment to identify and mitigate threats to postal infrastructure, its employees, and the general public.
Learn more about suspicious mail.
 NTSB Recommends Realistic Training for Smoke-in-Cockpit Emergencies
The National Transportation Safety Board issued three safety recommendations Wednesday aimed at improving pilot preparedness for smoke-in-cockpit emergencies through realistic, scenario-based training.
The recommendations stem from the NTSB’s investigation of a Dec. 20, 2023, incident involving Southwest Airlines flight 554, a Boeing 737-8, on departure from Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Shortly after takeoff, a bird was ingested into the airplane’s left engine, followed by smoke rapidly filling the cockpit.
The flight crew reported difficulty seeing flight instruments and checklist items as visibility deteriorated within seconds. The pilots donned oxygen masks, completed emergency procedures, declared an emergency and safely returned to the airport. None of the 139 people aboard the airplane were injured.
Read the full NTSB recommendation.
 Electric Aircraft:
FAA Is Evaluating Designs for Certification and Considering Long-Term Regulatory Approaches
Aircraft manufacturers are developing electric aircraft to transport cargo and carry passengers. This is part of a government and industry effort to change air transportation through new types of aircraft, technologies, and operating procedures. Electric aircraft could reduce noise and operating costs, and expand service at regional airports and other locations.
FAA hasn't yet certified an electric aircraft for commercial operations. But it's currently evaluating electric aircraft and engine designs for certification on a case-by-case basis. It's also considering regulatory changes that could standardize how it evaluates these products.
Read about GAO's findings in the Electric Aircraft report.
Date: April 30, 2026
Hazard: The pre-filled fuel containers violate the mandatory safety standards for portable fuel containers because they lack flame mitigation devices required under the Portable Fuel Container Safety Act, posing a deadly risk of flash fire. In addition, the Children’s Gasoline Burn Prevention Act requires all closures on portable kerosene fuel containers to be child-resistant. The container is not child-resistant, posing a risk of burn and poisoning to children.
Read more about the 1-K Kerosene Heater Fluid Portable Fuel Containers recall.
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Click here to view recent recalls by the Consumer Product Safety Commission.
 International Air Services Remain Safe Amid Ebola Outbreak
ICAO stresses critical importance of adherence to health protocols and WHO guidance
While international air services remain safe, the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is urging governments and aviation stakeholders to adhere strictly to World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations to mitigate any risk related to the current Ebola outbreak.
Since the COVID-19 pandemic, new protocols have been established by ICAO for rapid, standardized information sharing among States, airlines, airports, and health agencies. The Convention on International Civil Aviation’s Annex 9 – Facilitation has a new chapter on health-related Provisions, and corresponding guidance material is included in the ICAO Facilitation Manual (Doc 9957). Digital innovations, such as electronic health declarations and contactless border processes, have been integrated into ICAO’s recommendations to track and manage health risks more effectively.
Read the full International Air Services Remain Safe Amid Ebola Outbreak article.
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