There’s been some aviation incidents this week …
Ted Stevens Crash
The small airplane crash in Alaska that killed Ted Stevens and others generated a lot of inaccurate quotes in the press.
Based on looking at the aerial photograph of the crash scene, it’s obvious from the relatively long tree damage path, resulting in gradual deceleration, and largely intact fuselage, that the accident was highly survivable. That’s contrary to the aerial observers’ quote.
Also, the press harped on the lack of a filed flight plan, which is not required for VFR flights. However, some kind of flight plan should be announced to either the FAA or family and friends when cross-country flights are involved so that somebody will notice you’re overdue. Doubly so when VIPs are involved – narrowing SAR down can save millions of dollars.
It looks like in this case a specific landing time was not relayed to the lodge, and they only realized the flight was overdue when making dinner reservations for their expected guests.
Certainly this crash is going to spotlight what an ex-senator, ex-NASA employees, lobbyists and GCI were doing out there.
cnn.com: Untamed Alaska challenges pilots
JetBlue FA Escape
Regarding the JetBlue flight attendant losing it and activating the emergency slide with a beer in hand … although entertaining to read about, this incident indicates a lack of training for dealing with unpleasant situations. The flight attendants are required crew members who are primarily there to maintain the safety and security of the cabin during flights – they can’t “just lose it.”
Perhaps flight attendants involved in an altercation with a passenger should call another FA and switch stations to depersonalize the incident.
Example: if a pax drops a bag on a FA’s head, the FA should take a second to ensure everybody’s ok and then automatically call another FA to switch stations.
I imagine this incident will result in much greater scrutiny of flight attendants and their actions, making the job even more difficult than it already is.
And tampering with an aircraft is not something professionals want to make light of. Activating the emergency slide temporarily disabled that aircraft for flight use, resulting in costs to repack the slide and possibly a missed revenue trip, as well as endangering people on the ground.
It also plants a bad idea in the minds of those passengers who suddenly want off the plane, and try to emulate him.
NBC.com: slide activation video
25th Anniversary of Japanese 747 Crash
Japan had its worst aviation crash August 12, 1985. A 747 with 520 people aboard crashed into a mountain. The relatives still climb the mountain each year to remember the victims.
FAI AFSS – Planning A Flight to Alaska
avweb.com: A Jet Blue FA Loses It
wikipedia: Flight Attendant
avweb.com: Ted Stevens Crash: A Nasty Reminder (of Alaska Bush Syndrome)
If you’re a pilot, plan to be a pilot, or just like airplanes, then join the 
