Holiday travel by air? Increase in close calls between airplanes should be a wake-up call.
Close Calls and Near Collisions: The State of Air Safety
Imagine being on a plane, just moments away from disaster. More than 100 passengers on a Southwest Airlines flight experienced this terrifying situation when they came within 100 feet of crashing into a Cessna business jet at San Diego International Airport. And they’re not alone.
In February, another 100 lives were at risk when a Mesa Airlines jet had to abort its landing to avoid colliding with a SkyWest jet on the runway at Bob Hope Burbank Airport in California. And the incidents don’t stop there.
Just that same month, a JetBlue Airlines plane had to initiate an emergency go-around after a Hop-a-Jet flight took off without clearance out of Boston Logan International Airport. These close calls have become all too common in the past year, raising concerns among government and industry aviation leaders.
The Troubling Year for Flight Safety
With the holiday travel season already underway and millions of Americans boarding flights daily, the fear of the next runway incursion or collision is palpable. That’s why a hearing was convened before the Senate Commerce, Science, and Transportation Subcommittee on Aviation Safety, Operations, and Innovation. The goal? To address the troubling state of flight safety.
According to Senator Tammy Duckworth, a former military pilot and the subcommittee chairwoman, there were 300 near collisions involving commercial carriers in just a 12-month period. That’s almost one near miss per day. These incidents are not normal, but rather a warning sign that our aviation system is under stress.
Data shared at the Senate hearing revealed that runway incursions and near misses between commercial planes reached a decade-high in fiscal 2023, with 23 incidents at U.S. airports. This is a significant increase from just eight incidents in 2017.
While incidents like these are rare, the extent of the danger is often kept out of plain sight for passengers. However, a New York Times investigation in August uncovered 46 close calls in July alone and nearly 300 total near collisions in 12 months. These findings were based on voluntary disclosures from pilots, controllers, and others.
A Wake-Up Call for the Aviation Industry
Democratic and Republican senators alike acknowledged the seriousness of the problems facing the industry. However, they also recognized that resolving these issues would not happen overnight.
Jennifer Homendy, the chairwoman of the National Transportation Safety Board, emphasized the need for action before a catastrophic event occurs. The incidents must serve as a wake-up call to address the strain on our safety system.
The Factors Contributing to the Crisis
Senator Duckworth pointed to a surge in retirements across the aviation industry, exacerbated by the pandemic, as a significant factor in the current state of air safety. Coupled with increased demand, this has created a perfect storm that has eroded safety margins and led to far too many near misses.
The shortage of experienced pilots and air traffic controllers, as well as a pervasive shortage of air traffic controllers, has further strained the system. Most controllers are now working six-day weeks of 60 hours, often rotating between day and night shifts, which negatively impacts their circadian rhythm.
The mental health of aviation employees is also a concern. The overwhelming hours and strains of the job are taking a toll, and this issue needs to be better addressed.
Looking Ahead: Solutions and Hope
The FAA is taking steps to address the issue by fast-tracking technology that can monitor runways for unexpected plane movements. This will provide an additional layer of safety in case air traffic controllers miss any potential dangers.
Lawmakers have long tried to increase the number of air traffic controllers, but with little success. President Joe Biden’s budget for 2023 includes plans to hire 1,500 more controllers, with an additional 1,800 in 2024.
However, Rich Santa, president of the National Air Traffic Controllers Association, believes that the blame lies with the FAA for failing to meet hiring goals over the past decade. He argues that the solution is not to burden existing controllers with more fatigue but to hire more employees.
The road ahead may be challenging, but the safety of air travel is a priority that cannot be ignored. It’s time for the aviation industry to come together and address these issues before it’s too late.
What collaborative efforts and strategies can the FAA, airlines, and other stakeholders in the aviation industry implement to mitigate risks and improve safety protocols and procedures
E as a wake-up call for the aviation industry to prioritize safety and take immediate steps to address the alarming rise in close calls and near collisions.
One of the key issues highlighted during the hearing was the need for improved pilot training and communication. Senator Richard Blumenthal emphasized the importance of enhancing pilot proficiency in order to prevent such incidents. He called for a comprehensive review of pilot training programs and stricter regulations to ensure that pilots are adequately prepared to handle emergency situations and make split-second decisions.
Moreover, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was also under scrutiny for its role in ensuring air safety. Senators expressed concerns about the effectiveness of the FAA’s oversight and enforcement measures. They questioned the agency’s ability to identify and address systemic issues in a timely manner. In response, FAA Administrator Steve Dickson assured the senators that the agency is committed to taking necessary actions to enhance safety and prevent future incidents.
In addition, the hearing shed light on the importance of collaborative efforts between the FAA, airlines, and other stakeholders in the aviation industry. Senator Maria Cantwell stressed the need for increased coordination and information sharing to identify trends and develop proactive strategies to mitigate risks. She called for regular audits and assessments to ensure that safety protocols and procedures are being followed consistently.
Furthermore, the use of advanced technology and automation was discussed as a potential solution to reduce human errors and improve safety in the aviation industry. However, it was also acknowledged that technology alone cannot address all the challenges. A combination of well-trained pilots, effective communication systems, and robust safety protocols is required to ensure the highest level of air safety.
The hearing concluded with a call to action for the FAA to prioritize safety and for the aviation industry to invest in training, technology, and infrastructure improvements. The senators urged the agency to work closely with stakeholders to implement necessary changes and prevent future near collisions and close calls.
As passengers, it is crucial for us to be aware of the state of air safety and demand accountability from the aviation industry. While incidents like these are rare, even a single close call or near collision is one too many. It is our collective responsibility to prioritize safety and ensure that every flight is conducted with the highest standards of professionalism and diligence.
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