Most Wanted

The NTSB recently released their Most Wanted list, created to increase awareness of the most critical changes that are needed to reduce transportation accidents and save lives.

Three of NTSB's most wanted changes strictly pertained to aviation; (1) being the Unique Characteristics of Helicopter Operations, (2) General Aviation: Identify and Communicate Hazardous Weather, and (3) Strengthen Occupant Protection in Transportation.

One of NTSB's Most Wanted changes I would like to point out is one that I've witnessed and wondered how and why this issue has been ignored for so long: occupant protection. Currently, the FAA allows exemptions for children under the age of two, to travel unrestrained on the lap of an adult despite the FAA's requirement that we stow luggage, small bags, and even snacks and beverages during crucial parts of flight.

The NTSB has also left out some hot topic safety issues that are currently being discussed. These topics include; pilots landing at the wrong airport such as the Southwest and Boeing incidents, and the issue of pilots relying on too much automation. Such an incident that happened this summer when Asiana Flight to 214 crashed into the runway at San Francisco Airport, killing three. Here is an article about the topic: http://www.today.com/news/are-airline-pilots-relying-too-much-automation-1B11170594

Pilots today are relying too much on automation and are beginning to lose the necessary skills to pilot an aircraft. These two hot topics should have been included in the NTSB's most wanted list and have greater urgency because of the recent incidents as stated above.

There's great potential for new jobs, especially in the areas of management and safety administration in order to reduce the hazardous brought forth from the incidents.

BRAKES!!!!

Within the last 5 years have had many mishaps where pilots happen to land at the wrong airport. Most recently, Southwest landed one of their 737s at the wrong airport in Missouri. The airport at which they were suppose to land was about 7 miles north. Unfortunately, this is not a uncommon mistake.

Another Incident that of a aircraft that landed at the wrong airport was when a C-17 landed on the wrong runway. Video Can be Found here.

Aircraft landing at the wrong airport can present many hazards and complications. One of the most dangerous and most obvious would be an aircraft landing on a much shorter runway than what is needed, which could cause the aircraft to overshoot the runway and potentially damage or destroy property or worst, possibly injured or kill people. If the aircraft were to stop in such a short distance Aircraft could be damaged and not able to fly out of airport.

Many reasons such as fatigue, disorientation, loss of situational awareness and simple human error, can account for these mistakes. I believe most of these cases are isolated incidents, although some research should be done to identify if there are any other causes to be dangerous mistakes.

Southwest management decided to suspend the pilots involved in the incident until the investigation has completed. I agree with the decision to suspend the pilots of the Southwest flight. This was an incident that should have not occurred. The Southwest jet was carrying 124 passengers. The pilot should be sent for additional training to ensure proper training in situational awareness. Although, I do not believe the pilots involved in the incident should be let go due to this mistake.

Introduction

An open letter to my readers:

Hello,

First off, I am going to start by introducing myself. My name is Tom Simon, I am 25 years old and grew up in Sterling Heights, Michigan. I have been attending Eastern Michigan University for about 3 years now. I'm working on a Bachelor's degree in Aviation Flight Technology. I am a Private Pilot and currently working on my Instrument Rating. I am currently Vice President of Alpha Eta Rho, Sigma Chi, which is a Professional Aviation Fraternity.

I'm starting the blog for two reasons, one it is required for senior seminar and two I would like to share my story. Plain and simple... I would like this blog to help other students, whether they be Eastern Aviation students or traditional students wanting to know the processes of going about getting their certificates and how to deal with college being a aviation student.

 Tom Simon