The Conversation at AirSafe.com

Secrets of AirSafe.com: A How-to Guide on Becoming an Internationally Recognized Expert

2008-07-21T11:43:00.001-07:00

In this fourth episode of the special series Secrets of AirSafe.com, AirSafe.com creator Dr. Todd Curtis talks about how he has been able to get interviewed by major national and international news media organizations, and he describes how he used his experiences, credentials, and published works to attract the attention of producers and editors at newspapers, magazines, and television.

Information about the special series is available at
http://secrets.airsafe.org

You can hear the podcast at
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show55_secrets4.mp3

The transcript of this podcast is available at
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show55.htm

Secrets of AirSafe.com: How Visitors Use the Site

2008-07-14T16:00:00.000-07:00

In this third episode of the special series Secrets of AirSafe.com, site creator Dr. Todd Curtis shares his observations of how visitors use the site, and how these traffic pattern continues to influence the content of the site.

Information about the special series is available at
http://secrets.airsafe.org

You can hear the podcast at
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show54_secrets3.mp3

The transcript of this podcast is available at
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show54.htm

Secrets of AirSafe.com: Online Resources and Content Guidelines

2008-07-08T14:24:00.000-07:00

In this second episode of the special series Secrets of AirSafe.com, site creator Dr. Todd Curtis discussed some of the key Internet resources that have made it possible to build and maintain an audience, and how those resources have changed over the years. In addition, he'll also talk about the criteria and guidelines that determine what kind of information shows up in the site.

Information about the special series is available at
http://secrets.airsafe.org

You can hear the podcast at
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show53_secrets2.mp3

The transcript of this podcast, plus links to related resources in the series is available at
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show53.htm

Special AirSafe.com Podcast Series

2008-06-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

Special Podcast Series Begins 30 June 2008
In the Secrets of AirSafe.com, a special series from the Conversation at AirSafe.com podcast, site creator Dr. Todd Curtis will share many of the key insights and practices that have allowed AirSafe.com to thrive since its launch in July 1996. Each podcast explores a different aspect of the site, and offers listeners a rare opportunity to get an inside look at how to successfully identify, expand, and serve an online audience.

Information about the special series is available at
http://secrets.airsafe.org

You can hear the podcast at
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show52_secrets1.mp3

The transcript of the first podcast in the series is available at
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show52.htm

Other Recent Podcasts
Last week, AirSafe.com released a podcast showing the rescue of the passengers of a Chilean airliner that crashed earlier in June. The passengers survived for four days in the snow on a forested mountainside before being rescued. The pilot and nine passengers survived the crash, but the pilot died two days before rescue. You can find out more about this event at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show51a.htm
, or you can hear or see the podcast through the links below:
Audio: MP3

| Video: iPod/M4V | WMV | Google Video | YouTube

New from the AirSafe.com Crash Video Collection
The USAF released an accident report and video from the first ever crash of a B-2 bomber. The $1.4 billion aircraft crashed in Guam on 23 February 2008 due to water contamination in the aircraft's flight control system. Both pilots successfully ejected.
More crash details, plus a video.

Crash of Patagonia Airlines Cessna Caravan in Chile on 7 June 2008

2008-06-27T02:17:00.000-07:00

The aircraft had been on a schedule domestic passenger flight and crashed on the slope of a mountain while en route from Puerto Montt to La Junta. This show features an Al-Jazeera broadcast of the recovery of the surviving passengers four days after the crash. The only death was to the pilot, who died two days after the crash.

Audio Podcast
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show51a_patagonia.mp3

Video Podcasts
iPod/M4V | WMV | Google Video | YouTube

The Roots of Fear of Flying with Capt. Tom Bunn of SOAR

2008-06-16T11:44:00.000-07:00

New Fear of Flying Podcast
This show features two pioneers in the treatment of fear of flying, Captain Tom Bunn and Lisa Hauptner of the SOAR fear of flying organization. These two experts, who are both trained therapists, reveal a number of surprising facts about fear of flying, including the roots of fear of flying and the fact that the fear is often only indirectly related to flying.

Information about this episode is available at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show51.htm, and the podcast itself is available at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show51_fear2.mp3

TACA Has First Fatal Jet Airliner Event

2008-06-03T00:04:00.000-07:00

A TACA Airbus A320-200 crashed in Tegucigalpa, Honduras on 30 May 2008, killing the captain, two passengers, and two people outside of the aircraft. The aircraft was on a scheduled international flight from San Salvador to Tegucigalpa. The aircraft touched down on the runway on its second landing attempt, but after landing it departed the runway, went beyond the airport perimeter, and struck several vehicles on a nearby road.

There were 124 passengers and five crew members on board the aircraft. In addition to the three onboard fatalities, about 65 other passengers were injured.

The fuselage was broken in several locations with one of the engines was separated from the wings. Although there was a fuel spill and a post crash fire, most of the aircraft was not damaged by that fire.

At the time of the accident, the runway was wet from the passage of tropical storm Alma earlier in the day.

This was the first fatal jet airliner event involving TACA. Prior to this fatal event, the airline had two significant events involving its jet fleet.

On 24 May 1988, a TACA 737 flying to New Orleans lost power to both engines due to water ingestion from a storm. The crew was able to glide safely to a landing on a levee next to a waterway.

On 6 April 1993, a TACA 767 overran the runway during a landing in Guatemala City, and crashed into a nearby neighborhood. Although three people in the neighborhood were injured, no one was on the ground or in the plane was killed.

The crash in Tegucigalpa was the eighth fatal event involving the A320, with the first occurring in 1988 and the previous one, involving the Brazilian airline TAM, in July 2007.

The civil aviation authorities of Honduras are leading the investigation, with support from TACA, Airbus, the engine manufacturer, the NTSB, FAA, and civil aviation authorities from France and El Salvador.

Because of the crash, and because of ongoing concerns about the main airport in Tegucigalpa, that airport was immediately closed to all aircraft, and even after the airport is reopened, large jet airliners will not be allowed at the airport.

Commercial jets are now operating through the city of San Pedro Sula, and later this year the Honduran government plans to allow larger jets to land in Soto Cano Air Base (formerly known as the Pamerola Air Base).

Updates or findings from the investigation will be posted on AirSafe.com as they become available.

If you would like more details about this podcast and about the fear of flying, please use the links below:

Podcast from the Day of the Accident (MP3)
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show50_taca.mp3

Podcast Transcript
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show50.htm

Fatal and Significant TACA Events
http://www.airsafe.com/events/airlines/taca.htm

Fatal Airbus A320 Events
http://www.airsafe.com/events/models/a320.htm

Fear of Flying - A Basic Overview

2008-05-23T12:13:00.000-07:00

This podcast about the fear of flying and how people are affected by this type of anxiety was first published on 23 May 2008. The transcript of the podcast, as well as a link to the MP3 audio file for the podcast, is available at http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show49.htm.

Fear of flying is a complex psychological issue, one that has been made more complex by the security concerns of the last few years. There are many books, videos, and other resources that deal with the fear of flying, so deciding what may work for you may be a difficult process.

The podcast provides a basic definition of what fear of flying is, and points out that a fear of flying may be caused by a number of factors that have no direct connection with an aircraft flight.

The podcast also provides list of symptoms or behaviors that may indicate if a person may be affected by a fear of flying.

If you would like more details about this podcast and about the fear of flying, please use the links below:

Podcast Audio (MP3)
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show49_fear.mp3

Podcast Transcript
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show49.htm

Fear of Flying Overview
http://fear.airsafe.org

Signs that You May Have Fear of Flying
http://www.airsafe.com/issues/fear/signs.htm

Selected Fear of Flying Resources
http://www.airsafe.com/issues/fear/soar.htm

Investigation Update #4 for the British Airways 777 Crash of 17 January 2008

2008-05-21T12:24:00.000-07:00

This is the fourth 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 the week of 11 May 2008.

This article is based on the AirSafe.com podcast published on 20 May 2008. The podcast, available at http:/podcast.airsafe.org, presents the highlights of the most recent update from the Air Accidents Investigation Branch concerning the status of the investigation. There is a brief review of the details of the accident, followed by a discussion of the new information provided by the AAIB report, and an analysis of the progress of the investigation.

The accident aircraft was a scheduled international flight from Beijing, China to London, England, and the flight was routine until about two miles from touchdown. The engines would not respond to commands to increase thrust, and as a result the aircraft touched down about 1000 feet short of the runway. There was a significant fuel leak, but no post-crash fire. All 136 passengers and 16 crew members were able to successfully evacuate the aircraft, and the most serious injury was a broken leg suffered by one passenger.

The three previous AAIB updates in January and February 2008 provided detailed information about the flight, including the state of the fuel and fuel systems, and the condition of the engines and their associated control systems. You'll find details about the previous updates, as well as links to previous podcasts describing the accident sequence, at http://777.airsafe.org.

For the last several months, the AAIB has focused on the fuel and fuel systems of the aircraft. Extensive examination of the aircraft and detailed analysis of information from the flight data recorder and other onboard recording systems have revealed no evidence of an aircraft or engine control system malfunction.

The fuel was extensively tested, and showed no evidence of contamination or excessive water content. Although the aircraft had experienced very cold temperatures, the fuel temperature remained well above freezing. Detailed examination of the fuel system revealed a loose connection in one of the fuel lines as well as the presence of small pieces of debris, but these conditions led to no unusual deterioration or physical blockages.

The ongoing investigation has also found no evidence that a wake vortex encounter, bird strike, engine icing, or electromagnetic interference played a role in the accident. The focus of the investigation continues to be the fuel system and the engines, with the goal of understanding why neither engine responded to demands for increased power even though all of the engine control functions operated normally.

Under the direction of the AAIB, the engine manufacturer Rolls-Royce and the aircraft manufacturer Boeing are conducting further tests on the engines and fuel system with the goal of replicating the fuel system performance seen in the accident flight. Additional work is being conducted to gain a more complete understanding of the dynamics of the fuel as it flows from the tank to the engine.

No individual parameter associated with the accident flight was outside of previous operating experience. However, the AAIB is using a data analysis team to review data from a large sample of flights on similar aircraft to see if there was a combination of parameters that was outside of previous experience.

Unlike the last AAIB interim report issued in February 2008, this report did not contain any recommended operational changes for the 777.

I'd like to take a moment to share my opinion about the progress of this investigation. This crash investigation has not yet come up with an explanation for what happened. This is in spite of having a largely intact aircraft, a large volume of data from the accident aircraft and comparison data from similar flights, and the combined resources the engine manufacturer, the aircraft manufacturer, and the British government. This probably means that if the AAIB does come up with an explanation for why the accident happened, the explanation will include a combination of circumstances that had not been previously anticipated by aircraft designers or aircraft operators.

The suggestions made in previous AirSafe.com podcasts about how to evaluate what's being published about this investigation are still valid .

If you're interested in following the investigation online or in the news media, keep in mind that prior to the completion of the investigation by the AAIB, anyone outside of the investigation, including aviation safety experts and the largest news media organizations, will have access only to a fraction of the relevant information.

The AAIB will likely provide several more updates prior to publishing a final report, and these updates represent the most authoritative sources of information about the ongoing investigation.

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

Podcast Transcript
http://www.airsafe.com/podcasts/show48.htm

Additional Accident Details and Related Podcasts
http://777.airsafe.org

Join the New and Improved AirSafe.com Mailing List

2008-04-26T15:52:00.000-07:00

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

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

AirSafe.com Offers Free Online Class

2008-04-26T15:41:00.001-07:00

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

2008-04-13T22:23:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-13T21:16:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-03T16:57:00.000-07:00

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

2008-04-01T20:56:00.001-07:00

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

2008-03-28T13:35:00.000-07:00

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"

2008-03-05T09:36:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-21T12:46:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-14T12:10:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-13T15:11:00.000-08:00

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

2008-02-06T00:01:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-28T09:31:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-26T14:15:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-23T22:12:00.000-08:00

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

2008-01-17T16:35:00.000-08:00

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