General Aviation News
Three articles about General Aviation that bear repeating & provide insight. Don’t Underestimate GA.
Read MoreAccident Investigation
Guest Post: Has AOPA’s position on medicals contributed to these accidents?
Which entities are most culpable in the deaths of these two accidents? Perhaps NTSB is pressured not to declare accidents as having medical causes, when in fact, these accidents were definitively medically caused.
NTSB celebrates its Past; what does its Future hold?
The NTSB released a video and an interactive timeline which chronicles its accomplishments. The past of the NTSB is exemplary, but the forward look is critical to tomorrow’s successes.
AOPA’s unusual critique of the NTSB might be addressed by SMS
AOPA’s SVP Jim Coon criticizes NTSB’s approach to GA accident investigation. The answer to AOPA’s complaint may be to involve the SMS quantitative approach.
ATC must be aware of the insidious A-380 Wake Vortex
During an accident investigation, ATC records showed an A-380 was nearby when a Challenger 604 lost control. The preliminary recommendation was that ATC needs to provide lateral separation between the A-380 and smaller aircraft.
Sen. Schumer’s Press Release should be considered for the Henny Penny Award
Schumer’s press release on small plane crashes makes assumptions not supported by record. Rather than send the NTSB on an unnecessary investigation, perhaps the Senator’s office should learn what the FAA is doing to lower GA risk.
Ford’s Role in John Wayne Incident should not be overblown
Harrison Ford’s accident will likely serve as a platform for those who want to close or limit airport operations. Aviation professionals should be prepared to respond.
NTSB Crash Lesson— Part 135 carriers need SMS; here’s a way
The NTSB determined that an Execuflight flight crew mismanaged the approach and multiple deviations from standard operating procedures and due to those failures, caused the November, 2015 crash in Akron, Ohio. Small Part 135 operators can use Safety Management Systems (SMS) to minimize the risk evidenced by this sad NTSB determination.
Helicopter Safety Team is moving the Safety Needle
The benefits of the new cooperative, data analytical approach to aviation safety are objectively observable. A wonderful example of the gains attained by this proactive regimen is the United States Helicopter Safety Team who is making progress with insights being shared between the FAA and industry.
AOPA takes a statesmanlike position & Aviation should follow its example
AOPA defends the FAA approved aircraft in ‘Sikkelee v. Precision Airmotive Corp’ in a filing to the Supreme Court. AOPA should be commended for its objective consideration, and its willingness to do what is best for the aviation system sets a great example.