The FAA Inspection Process and Southwest Airlines

In this Conversation, Dr. Todd Curtis discusses a proposed $10.2 million dollar fine against Southwest Airlines and how problems with FAA safety inspection process allowed the airline to continue to fly airplanes that were not in compliance with a mandatory safety inspection. Dr. Curtis also discusses the role the FAA played in allowing Southwest to fly out of compliance aircraft, and how subsequent actions by the FAA may ensure that all airline operators may be following the rules but may also inconvenience passengers and undermines their confidence in the FAA.

You can download several versions of this episode:
Audio: MP3 | Video: iPod/MP4 | WMV | Google Video | YouTube

If you visit faa.airsafe.org, you will find links to the podcast, as well as a transcript and links to additional resources.

You can also find other AirSafe.com podcasts at podcast.airsafe.org

Interview with Airline Pilot Patrick Smith, Author of the Book "Ask the Pilot"

Patrick Smith,in addition to being a pilot for a major U.S. airline, is also an air travel columnist and author of the 2004 book "Ask the Pilot."
In this Conversation, Patrick Smith and Dr. Todd Curtis discuss several issues, including popular misconceptions about airline safety, the role of the Internet in shaping the public's perception of airline safety, as well as how the TSA should be changed in order to enhance airline security.

You can download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show41_patrick_smith.
You can also find other AirSafe.com podcasts at podcast.airsafe.org

Related Resources
Notes page from the interview
Buy the book "Ask the Pilot"