Join the New and Improved AirSafe.com Mailing List

Periodically, the email newsletter version of the AirSafe.com News updates the focus of mailing list to enhance the level of information and service. The new and improved mailing list will feature more more frequent deliveries of articles and other resources from throughout the site. The new version of the list has been active only for a few days, so even if you have already signed up in the past, do so again today if you want the enhanced version of the service.

With a new subscription, you will receive a number of reports that you can reprint for free in your newsletter, blog, or other publication.

To subscribe to the enhanced and expanded AirSafe.com mailing list, please
visit http://subscribe.airsafe.org

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AirSafe.com Offers Free Online Class

Answering questions about aviation risk and aviation safety can be
difficult, especially if you lack time, resources, and organizational
support. The biggest problem is usually a lack of a clear
understanding of the question or the issue that you are trying to
address.

The course "How to Ask an Aviation Safety Question" from
Dr. Todd Curtis of AirSafe.com can take most of the mystery out of the
process of transforming a risk or safety issue that isn't clearly defined
into one that makes sense to you. Based on his years of experience
analyzing aviation safety data at Boeing and MIT, this is the same
process he used to develop much of the content in the award winning
web site AirSafe.com.

Anyone who asks or analyzes questions about risk, safety, reliability,
or policy will probably find this online course both useful and
informative. By the end of this course, you will have in your hands a
tested and systematic process that you can apply to many of the common
safety and risk issues that come your way.

While the online version of this course is normally offered for over
$300, AirSafe.com is offering this course for free for a limited time
to the subscribers on the Flight Safety Information newsletter.
Register today at http://classes.airsafe.org.

If that link does not work, you can also visit http://www.airsafe.com/classes/question.htm.

Interview on the Radio America Show 'The Gregg Knapp Experience' - 14 April 2008

This interview from the Radio America show The Gregg Knapp Experience focused on issues that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee discussed in their hearings that started on April 3rd, 2008. Topics covered included the threats that were alleged to have been directed at whistleblowers in the FAA who wanted to report problems with the oversight process.

You can download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show47_knapp.mp3.
You can also find other AirSafe.com podcasts at podcast.airsafe.org

Other Resources
Notes from shows on related subjects

Interview on the BBC Show 'The World Today' - 7 April 2008

This interview from the BBC show The World Today focused on issues that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee discussed in their hearings that started on April 3rd, 2008. Topics covered included the role of whistleblowers in the FAA and whether the FAA is doing their job of protecting those who fly.

You can download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show46_bbc.mp3.
You can also find other AirSafe.com podcasts at podcast.airsafe.org

Other Resources
Notes from shows on related subjects

Interview on the Ankarlo Morning Show on KTAR Radio in Phoenix - 3 April 2008

This discussion with KTAR host Darrell Ankarlo focused on issues that the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee would likely discuss in their hearings that started on April 3rd, 2008. The key issue of concern in the hearing was the relationship between the FAA and the airlines, specifically whether the recent problems with the FAA's oversight of Southwest Airlines were a symptom of a broader problem within the agency.

You can download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show44_ktar.mp3.
You can also find other AirSafe.com podcasts at podcast.airsafe.org

Other Resources
Notes from shows on related subjects

A Discussion of Concerns After a String of Airline Safety Events

The recent safety FAA safety audit that was triggered by the actions of the FAA and of Southwest airlines has so far led to two safety-related groundings by American and Delta, and an upcoming hearing in the U.S. House of Representatives. This podcast episode was a roundtable discussion, broadcast on the Kojo Nnamdi Show on WAMU radio on 1 April 2008, that featured Dr. Todd Curtis of AirSafe.com, as well as the Editor-in-Chief of Aviation Daily Jim Matthews, and the vice president for operations and safety of the Air Transport Association Basil Barimo.

You can download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show43_wamu.mp3.
You can also find other AirSafe.com podcasts at podcast.airsafe.org

Related Resources
Notes page from the interview and related links

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"

Investigation Update #3 for the British Airways 777 Crash of 17 January 2008

This is the third update from AirSafe.com on the ongoing investigation into the accident at London's Heathrow Airport involving a British Airways 777. This update is based on information released by the AAIB on 18 February 2008, and focuses on analyses of the fuel system, the engines, and their associated control systems. You can listen to or watch the podcast at the following links:

Audio: MP3 | Video: iPod/MP4 | WMV | Google Video | YouTube

The links below will take you to additional related resources.

Additional Details About this Accident: http://777.airsafe.org
Transcript and Timeline for this Podcast
Other Podcasts

Video of the Podcast

Show Notes Added to the Coversation at AirSafe.com Podcast

The Conversation at AirSafe.com Podcast has added detailed show notes for selected podcasts. The first three shows with notes, which include a transcript, timeline, and links to audio and video versions of the podcasts are for the latest show, "Things You Should Not Bring on Board," and two shows from last month that were first update and second update of the accident investigation for the 17 January 2008 crash of a British Airways 777 at London's Heathrow airport.

The following show notes pages have a synopsis of the show, links to the audio and video versions of each podcast, links to additional resources, the show's timeline, and the show's transcript:

Show #39: Things You Should Not Bring On Board - 13 February 2008

Show #37: Crash of British Airways 777 at Heathrow on 17 January 2008, Update 2 - 25 January 2008

Show #36: Crash of British Airways 777 at Heathrow on 17 January 2008, Update 1 - 23 January 2008

Podcast: Things You Should Not Take on Board

This show from February 13, 2008 provides an overview of the things passengers should know in order to deal with TSA and airport security with a minimum of hassle. In addition to providing suggestions for checked and carry on baggage, this show also provides a link to numerous other resources on baggage, banned and restricted items, and making complaints about your airline service.

For more information about the show, or about how to subscribe using iTunes, visit the home page of the Conversation at AirSafe.com at podcast.airsafe.org.

You can also download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show39_tsa.mp3.

Additional Resources
Baggage and Security Insights and Information
http://tsa.airsafe.org/

Interview with Kate Hanni of the Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights

Kate Hanni is one of the founders of the Coalition for Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights. On December 29, 2006, she was a passenger on one of the more than 120 American Airlines flights that were diverted to alternate airports due to weather. Passengers on dozens of those flights were forced to wait on board their aircraft for more than three hours. On Kate Hanni’s flight, the wait was over eight hours, an ordeal that included overstressed toilets, a lack of fresh water and fresh air, and an even greater lack of compassion from the airline.

Kate did far more than just complain about her flight, she and other stranded passengers formed their nonprofit group with the goal of having legislation passed to ensure that this kind of event would not happen again. Her work and the work of her group have been frequently profiled by major news organizations. She’s also testified to the U.S. Congress and to state legislatures around the country.

This interview from February 5, 2008 covers several of the areas of interest of the group, including changing the airline industry's rules on how delayed passengers should be treated. Also discussed was the role that the AirSafe.com can play in bringing about these changes.

Resources
Coalition for an Airline Passengers' Bill of Rights
http://flyersrights.org/

Passenger Complaint Resources
http://airlinecomplaints.airsafe.org

For more information about the show, or about how to subscribe using iTunes, visit the podcast page at AirSafe.com.
You can also download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show38_paxrights.mp3.

Interview on 10 January 2008 Air Canada Event, Plus Remembering Challenger

The first part of the podcast is a discussion of the suspected turbulence event on 10 January 2008 involving an Air Canada A319 with a focus on the possible role that it may have been caused by wake turbulence from another aircraft. The second part of the podcast commemorates the 22nd anniversary of the last flight of the space shuttle Challenger by replaying audio clips from the launch and from President Reagan's address to the nation.

For more information about the show, or about how to subscribe using iTunes, visit the podcast page at AirSafe.com. You can also download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show34_turbulence2_shuttle.mp3.

Investigation Update #2 for the British Airways 777 Crash of 17 January 2008

This second update from AirSafe.com, first published on 25 January 2008, is based on information released by the AAIB on 23 January 2008. The links below will take you to the several audio and video versions of the podcast that summarizes the most recent interim findings. The link to the 777 page will take you to a written synopsis of this update.

Podcast Links
Audio: MP3 | Video: iPod/MP4 | WMV | Google Video | YouTube

These other links will take you to additional related resources.

Other Podcasts: http://podcast.airsafe.orgg
Other Accident Resources: http://777.airsafe.org
Post Accident Checklist: http://airsafe.com/analyze/checklst.htm

Investigation Update for the British Airways 777 Crash of 17 January 2008

The Air Accidents Investigations Branch (AAIB), the UK organization responsible for investigating the 17 January 2008 crash of a British Airways 777 jet at London's Heathrow Airport, released a brief statement about the progress of the investigation the day after the accident. The links below will take you to the several audio and video versions of the podcast that summarizes the interim findings, and that also describes likely issues that may come up in this investigation.

Podcast Links
Audio: MP3 | Video: iPod/MP4 | WMV | Google Video | YouTube

These other links will take you to additional related resources.

Other Podcasts: http://podcast.airsafe.orgg
Other Accident Resources: http://777.airsafe.org
Post Accident Checklist: http://airsafe.com/analyze/checklst.htm

British Airways 777 Crashes in London on 17 January 2008

The aircraft touched down about 1000 feet short of runway 27L at London's Heathrow Airport. The aircraft skidded just over 1000 feet, tearing off its landing gear and coming to rest on the tarmac just to the right of the end of the runway. This was a scheduled international flight that was arriving from Beijing, China. Early reports indicate that the aircraft experienced a loss of engine thrust and electrical power shortly before landing. There were at least two serious injuries, a broken leg and a concussion, but no fatalities among the 16 crew members and 136 passengers. This was the first serious accident for the 777 since it began commercial service in 1995.

Podcast (MP3): http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show35_ba777.mp3

Accident Updates for Events in Venezuela and Iran

There have been two significant airline safety events in just the first few days of 2008. The first on 2 January 2004 was a nonfatal takeoff accident involving an Iran Air Fokker 100. The second was occurred two days later when a Transaven Let 410 crashed near the Los Roques archipelago near Venezuela.

For further details, please choose one of the podcast options below:

Audio: MP3 | Video: iPod/MP4 | WMV | Google Video | YouTube

To download a copy of the MP3 audio file or one of the MP4 or WMV video files, visit the AirSafe.com podcast home page at http://podcast.airsafe.org.

Related Resources: A list of fatal events involving Iran Air is available at http://www.airsafe.com/events/irlines/iranair.htm

To obtain a PDF file or PowerPoint presentation of the contents of this podcast, please contact AirSafe.com at http://www.airsafe.com/contact.htm.

Review of Fatal Airline Events of 2007

Seattle, WA - January 3, 2008 - AirSafe.com has released its annual review of fatal airline events of 2007. There were a total of eight fatal events in 2007, including four that resulted in the deaths of everyone on board. While there were no events in North America, there were three in Asia, two each in Africa and Europe, and one in South America. The eight fatal events of 2007 is the lowest number of fatal events tracked by AirSafe.com in the last decade, a number also equaled in 2006 and 2003. For the 10 year period 1998-2007, AirSafe.com has listed 111 fatal airline events from around the world.

This annual review is available in several formats:

Audio: MP3 | Video: iPod/MP4 | WMV | Google Video | YouTube

To download the audio file or one of the video files, visit the AirSafe.com home page at http://www.airsafe.com, or follow the link from the AirSafe.com Foundation at http://podcast.airsafe.org.

The videos are also available on YouTube at www.youtube.com and Google Video at video.google.com. You can find video links and download instructions at http://podcast.airsafe.org.

A printed list of the eight fatal events of 2007, along with several other noteworthy aviation safety events from last year, is available at http://www.airsafe.com/events/fatal07.htm

To obtain a PDF file or PowerPoint presentation of this annual review, please contact AirSafe.com at http://www.airsafe.com/contact.htm.

The AirSafe.com Foundation and the One Laptop Per Child Project

This podcast from November 24, 2007 discusses how the AirSafe.com Foundation's latest effort will evaluate the unique capabilities of the One Laptop Per Child Project's computers and will share the lessons learned with the public. For details on what the AirSafe.com Foundation can do and how individuals may contribute, please visit the Foundation's web site at http://www.airsafe.org.

You can find a link to this podcast at http://podcast.airsafe.org/, or you can download it at http://airsafe.com/podcasts/show25.mp3.

African Airline Safety Issues Discussed on the Voice of America

In recent years, several high profile airliner crashes in Africa have called into question the level of safety and security of the continent's airlines. In the November 6, 2007 edition of the Perspectives program of the Voice of America, Dr. Todd Curtis was one of several noted aviation experts who spoke about the role of aviation in Africa and also about the factors that contribute to Africa's a relatively high accident rate.

For more information about the show, or about how to subscribe using iTunes, visit the podcast page at AirSafe.com. You can also download the episode directly at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show24.mp3.