AIR SAFETY WEEK :: JUNE 30, 2008

RFID Chips: A Danger to Your Health?
The use of Radio Frequency Identification Devices (RFID) appears to have the potential to cause critical care medical equipment to malfunction, according to a new medical study. Could a similar pitfall be present at airports, within passenger cabins and in flight decks? Could a passenger with a pacemaker...

FAA & Fatigue, Part II
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) says fatigue can affect aviation operations and now is the time to do something about it. But the U.S. aviation agency doesn't offer a concrete plan for action. The FAA's first aviation fatigue symposium, which ran from June 17 through 19, brought together 325...

LAX Opens New Center Taxiway to Improve Airfield Safety
A new center taxiway between the two runways on the south side of Los Angeles International Airport is now operational and is expected to reduce the number of runway incursions there. The taxiway project began April 2007. Opening of the $83 million center taxiway marks the completion of the airport's overall...

More Efficient Flight Departures
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is speeding up implementation of more efficient airport departure procedures that cut down on aviation fuel burn. Area navigation (RNAV) procedures increase the number of departure routes, allowing air traffic controllers to...

Traffic Management Flows to the Future
The new TFMS network at FAA's William J. Hughes Technical Center in Atlantic City, NJ, became operational June 18. Originally located at the Volpe Center in Cambridge, MA, the system tracks, anticipates and manages the flow of air traffic throughout U.S. airspace, integrating real-time weather...

Airplane Research is Crystal Clear
Researchers at Rowan University, in Glassboro, NJ are studying ice formation on aircraft wings, determining which clouds contain ice crystals detrimental to airplane flight. The Rowan team has been focusing on ice clouds and crystals, which can contribute to plane crashes. Ice crystals can collect on a...

F-16 Accident Probe Completed
The U.S. Air Force completed its investigation of the April 2nd F-16 Fighting Falcon accident at Gila Bend Auxiliary Airfield, AZ with the Accident Investigation Board determining that the cause of the mishap was pilot error. The accident resulted in substantial damage to the...

Safety & Technology Trends  
FAA OKs New MD-10 Cockpit System FedEx Express recently earned FAA certification of a new aircraft avionics system to improve situational awareness for pilots during takeoff and landing. The firm is the first major commercial carrier in the airline industry to receive a Supplemental Type Certificate for the...

Security Shortlines
Airlines and DHS at Odds Over Proposed Airport 'Exit' Program Both the International Air Transport Association (IATA) and the US Air Transport Association (ATA) object to a proposal by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) that would set up an "exit" program at U.S. airports. It would require...

Safety Rules and Regs
Extended Operations (ETOPS) of Multi-Engine Airplanes Final rule; Immediately Adopted. SUMMARY: The Federal Aviation Administration is amending its regulations governing extended range operations of turbine powered multi-engine airplanes operated by air carriers and in commuter and on-demand passenger...

Note to Air Safety Week Readers:
In recognition of Independence Day, Air Safety Week will not be published on July 7...

Accidents & Incidents
Date Aircraft Type Narrative Death/Injury Remarks June 05, 2008 Milano Linate, Italy Piper PA-46-310P N1125Y A/c substantially damaged during forced landing, following loss of engine power during initial climb after takeoff from Milano Linate Airport (LIML). No injuries flight was destined for Rijeka Airport...