Correspondence

In an April 12, 2000 letter, Congressman Bob Franks raised safety concerns about near miss incidents caused by language or phraseology miscommunications between pilots and air traffic controllers. To respond to this request, we reviewed FAA data on near midair collisions and pilot deviations that either led to or could have led to near miss incidents. We also determined what actions FAA takes in the event of a near miss incident involving a foreign pilot. In addition, we identified actions FAA has taken or plans to take to address language and phraseology miscommunications. We have provided the results of our review to Congressman Franks.