Whistle-blowers: FAA was lax on airline safety; Congress will hear claims that agency, companies had cozy relationship.(Main)

Byline: ALAN LEVIN - USA Today

WASHINGTON - Government officials have blocked enforcement of safety rules at major airlines for years because they have a cozy relationship with the companies, according to the testimony of U.S. inspectors who will appear before Congress on Thursday.

The testimony alleges for the first time that inspectors have been pressured by Federal Aviation Administration officials to change findings or to soft-pedal enforcement actions for several of the nation's largest airlines, including Northwest, United and Continental. The controversy over the FAA's oversight has so far involved only Southwest Airlines.

The inspectors …