While the U.S. airline industry continues to maintain one of the highest levels of safety worldwide, Transportation Secretary Mary Peters said on Sep. 10 that even with success there's room for improvement.

Peters issued a statement on Sep. 10 saying the FAA will adopt 13 safety guidelines that were developed by an independent review team.

The review team's recommendations include the creation of guidance by the end of the year to ensure airworthiness directives are fully understood by FAA employees and airlines. In addition, the FAA says "more rigorous and systematic oversight of the FAA's voluntary disclosure program" and safeguards against FAA personnel developing "overly cozy" relationships with the airlines are part of the panel's recommendations.

"The intent is clear: make sure everyone understands that the only customer that matters in the end is the flying public," Peters says.

Peters also issued a directive saying the FAA within the next six months should have a new training program developed and under way for safety managers and inspectors.

The changes follow lack-of-compliance complaints involving U.S. airlines this year.