Briefing: October 2012

The FAA told air traffic controllers to stop using a procedure that allows airplanes to land and take off in the opposite direction from normal, after a mix-up with three commuter jets in Washington on July 31. The FAA didnt blame the incident on the procedure, however, saying it was due to a communication lapse between Reagan Tower and Potomac Approach. Acting FAA administrator Michael Huerta emphasized that, At no time were the aircraft on a head-to-head course and the aircraft remained at different altitudes.

Editorial Staff

Friday, August 01, 2014 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

The FAA halted a specific landing/takeoff procedure after a communication lapse incident and is pursuing reforms to streamline aircraft certification processes.
The NTSB released over 900 pages of documents detailing the fatal Reno Air Race crash, attributing the Galloping Ghost's failure to a roll upset and trim tab departure.
A Scientific American article highlighted that thunderstorms might routinely emit gamma rays, potentially exposing aircraft passengers and crew to significant radiation doses.
IMC Club International is expanding, creating local communities where pilots can meet to discuss and improve their instrument flying skills and proficiency.

See a mistake? Contact us.

The FAA told air traffic controllers to stop using a procedure that allows airplanes to land and take off in the opposite direction from normal, after a mix-up with three commuter jets in Washington on July 31. The FAA didn’t blame the incident on the procedure, however, saying it was due to a communication lapse between Reagan Tower and Potomac Approach. Acting FAA administrator Michael Huerta emphasized that, “At no time were the aircraft on a head-to-head course and the aircraft remained at different altitudes.”

The NTSB posted online more than 900 pages of documents plus photographs related to the fatal crash at last year’s National Championship Air Races in Reno. The Board concluded that the Galloping Ghost, flown by Jimmy Leeward, reached a maximum acceleration of 17.3 Gs after a roll upset, in which the airplane reached a roll angle of 93 degrees, left wing down. The documents also examine several photos that show the departure of a trim tab from the airplane’s elevator. Leeward and 10 people on the ground were killed when the racer crashed.