31 March 2011

FA-18 Explodes on U.S.S. Stennis


A mishap occurred during flight operations aboard the U.S.S. John C. Stennis (CVN-74). The nuclear powered aircraft was on a training cruise on the Southern Californian coast. Early reports say that an engine installed on an FA-18 fighter jet exploded injuring 10 sailors on the flight deck.
Although 4 were airlifted to hospital in San Diego, the Navy stated that none of the injures are serious or life threatening.

An investigation is being conducted to discover the cause of the engine explosion which caused an estimated one million dollars of damage.

24 March 2011

Tower Asleep at the Switch

When American Airlines Flight 1900 could not raise the tower at Reagan International Airport, the controller at the Potomac Terminal Radar Approach tries to help.

Here are some highlights....

Potomac: “Just so you’re aware, the tower is apparently not manned. We’ve made a few phone calls. No one’s answered. … So you can expect to go in as an uncontrolled airport.”
American 1900: “Is there a reason it’s not manned?”
Potomac: “I’m going to take a guess and say that the controller got locked out. I’ve heard of this happening before.”


Two airliners had to conduct unassisted landings because the only person pulling the over night shift in the tower has fallen asleep. Authorities have suspended the controller (a supervisor) while the incident is investigated.

Federal Aviation Administration Administrator Randy Babbitt said.

"As a former airline pilot, I am personally outraged that this controller did not meet his responsibility to help land these two airplanes,. I am determined to get to the bottom of this situation for the safety of the traveling public."

On Wednesday, Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood directed FAA to launch a nationwide study of airport tower staffing. He also directed that at least two controllers be on duty at night at Reagan, which is located just across the Potomac River from Washington in Northern Virginia.

"It is not acceptable to have just one controller in the tower managing air traffic in this critical air space," LaHood said.

The head of the union that represents air traffic controllers praised LaHood's actions, saying changes in staffing are needed.

14 March 2011

Southwest Airlines Training Video


Southwest Airlines Safety Inspection Training... by NationalLampoon