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Experts say US flights are safe now but flag warning signs to look for

Flying commercially in the US remains low risk despite a recent mid-air collision, near misses and job cuts at the Federal Aviation Administration. But aviation safety experts and former FAA employees identify warning signs that would stop them from flying in the future

By Jeremy Hsu

6 March 2025

New Scientist. Science news and long reads from expert journalists, covering developments in science, technology, health and the environment on the website and the magazine.

On 29 January, an American Airlines flight collided with an army helicopter near Washington DC

Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Getty Images

Safety concerns about flying in the US have risen after a series of plane accidents and collisions in recent months, which were followed shortly by the administration of President Donald Trump eliminating hundreds of jobs at the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Aviation safety experts and former FAA employees say flights are safe now, but point out warning signs that would suggest a drop in safety.

The FAA, which is responsible for aviation regulation in the US, has…

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