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 temporarily halted a procedure allowing opposite-direction landings/takeoffs after an air traffic control communication lapse and is also working on reforms for aircraft certification processes.
The NTSB released over 900 pages of documents detailing the fatal Reno Air Race crash, including findings on G-forces, a roll upset, and a trim tab departure.
Scientific American published an article warning that thunderstorms may routinely emit gamma rays, potentially exposing aircraft occupants to high radiation doses.
IMC Club International is expanding, creating local communities where instrument pilots can meet to enhance confidence and proficiency in instrument flying.

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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.