Aviation News, Headlines & Alerts
 
Category: <span>Airport</span>

Category: Airport

Air Safety, Airport

Virtual Airport


At smaller airports, the controllers direct traffic and manage the airfield. Currently, pilots using the Beckley-area airport talk among themselves to advise themselves of traffic.

An actual, physical tower would cost between $2 million and $3 million, with an ongoing annual expense of $450,000 for maintenance. A virtual tower would be far less expensive.

Quadrex Aviation LLC, based in Melbourne, Fla. is developing a plan for a computer-driven control tower for Raleigh County Airport Authority. The report will be out in September. “If this does work as advertised, or even better than we imagined, then that holds the promise out to a lot of airports that could never afford to justify a control tower in the first place, and to provide that level of safety in an environment where you’ve got a lot of people trying to occupy the same air space.” according to Dr. David Byers, senior development professional for Quadrex Aviation LLC. And, regarding the Beckley area airport, “It’s kind of like an airport graduating from a two-way stop at an intersection to a four-way stop, and you reach a certain point say, at a four-way stop, and if you’ve ever been in that situation, well, who’s next? You may decide, ‘Well, you’re next,’ and somebody has the same opinion and attitude, and the next thing you know, there’s a conflict there. The concept at Beckley is to explore the opportunity of actually setting up a facility where they can test the technologies, to see ‘here’s what we think it’s going to do,’ and to put it in a facility where it can be managed and monitored to see if it’s doing what it’s advertised to do and get some feedback from the pilots and essentially be a prototype of other systems that could go up around the country.”

Read More


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
airliners.net, ATR, Czech Airlines, Czech Republic, fire, Ruzyne Prague

Hanger Fire Destroys Planes


Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Viktor Gula

What: CSA Czech Airlines Avion de Transport Regional ATR-42-500
Where: Prague
When: June 9, 2012
Who: 1 injury
Why: An explosion occurred in airport hanger “F” (Farms subsidiary CSA – Czech Airlines Technics) that destroyed a seven year old plane leased by CSA Czech Airlines from Air Contractors. The plane was a complete write off, with nothing remaining but a “charred rudder”. Another Czech Airlines ATR 42-600 (OK-JFK) was also damaged. The twenty-one hour fire occurred at Ruzyne airport and was fought by airport firemen and fire fighters from stations 2, 3, 7 and 8.

One maintenance worker was taken two a burn clinic at Vinohrady hospital. Two others may have also had minor injuries. The cause is under investigation but is thought to be sourced from combustibles that burned during maintenance.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Airbus, Amsterdam Schiphol, Emergency, hydraulics, Netherlands, Vueling

Netherlands Emergency Landing

What: Vueling A320 en route from Amsterdam to Bilbao
Where: Amsterdam
When: Mar 8 2012
Who: not available
Why: The flight was en route when it developed problems with the hydraulics. A “3-VOC” message was sent out from Schiphol Airport.

Pilots returned to Amsterdam and made a safe landing with emergency services on standby. Local television was already interviewing passengers before the plane stopped on the runway.

Philadelphia IA, Runway Incursion, USA

Philadelphia Airport Open


The Philadelphia International Airport is open again after a drunk was chased on to airport property at 10 am. In his SUV, Kenneth Richard Mazik drove through a fence and two runways. He was charged with driving under the influence, simple and aggravated assault, reckless endangerment, defiant trespass and criminal mischief. U.S. Airways Flight 3137 nearly landed on him, but ATC had the pilot abort the landing. No explosives were found aboard the Jeep. The airport was open by 4 pm.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Dulles, Medevac, Medical emergency

Dulles Tarmac Collision Kills Southwest Airlines Employee

The collision between a “people mover” passenger shuttle and a baggage injured a Southwest Airlines ramp worker. The accident occurred at Dulles International airport. The shuttle ports people between the terminal and concourse.

After the Thursday morning crash, the injured employee was hospitalized at Inova Fairfax Hospital. No one on the Plane Mates shuttle was injured. The worker died overnight.

The airline’s statement
On Thursday, Jan. 26, at approximately 7am, a Southwest Employee was involved in a collision between a baggage cart and a mobile lounge at Washington Dulles Airport. Immediately following the accident, the injured Employee was rushed to an area hospital to receive medical attention. We learned earlier today, Friday, Jan. 27, that the Employee passed away as a result of injuries sustained in the accident. We continue to work with all relevant agencies, including the local authorities and the airport, to investigate events surrounding the accident. The Southwest Airlines Family is greatly saddened by the passing of our Southwest Family Member, and we extend our heartfelt sympathies and support to his entire family at this time.”

Krasnojarsk Cheremshanka, Russia, Video

Fire Consumes Krasnojarsk Cheremshanka Airport Terminal

 , ,

What: Krasnojarsk Cheremshanka Airport Terminal
Where: Russia
When: Dec 19th 2011
Who: no injuries or deaths reported
Why: 38 vehicles carrying a hundred firefighters responded to the scene of a fire at the Krasnojarsk Cheremshanka Airport but failed to save the airport’s tower. The first thing that caught fire was roof of the terminal, where it began, they suspect, with a short circuit. Then the fire spread until the terminal collapsed. It took four hours to put out the fire, but no one was injured. The airport was the hub for Katekavia Airlines and the base airport of the Siberian Regional Emergencies Department Centre.

One airport employee was evacuated by truck ladder. They were not hospitalized. The roof took five minutes to become engulfed.

Flights have been transferred to the neighboring Emelianovo airport.

Bradley International Airport, de-icing, Jet Blue, runway delay, USA

Connecticut Travel Nightmare


Six Jet Blue flights (and seventeen other flights) diverted to Bradley International Airport. Three of Jet Blue’s flights got stuck there for hours but at least some of them managed to wait IN the airport. To top off the handicap of area power outages, Jet Blue ran out of bottled water and snacks. The power outages stranded some passengers who were unable to book rooms; they were sleeping everywhere, on cots in the terminal, and the toilets backed up. Some of the luggage that should have gone to Bradley ended up at JFK. Flights were backed up as they were waiting to refuel, de-ice, etc.

Jet Blue flight 504 landed at 1:30 pm with 123 passengers–Passengers sat on the Tarmac for over seven hours. The planes doors were not opened until 9:00 pm. Three hours is the max allowable; the FAA may fine Jetblue $27500 per passenger as a violation of the Airline passengers bill of rights.

Captain Thompson praised Air Traffic Control and expressed disappointment in Jet Blue.

video platformvideo managementvideo solutionsvideo player


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
AeroMexico, Air Safety, California, Editorial, LAX, USA

Cerritos: Aeromexico Shattered Lives

 

In George’s Point of View

It is a strange, sad phenomenon how tragedies live on.

On August 31, 1986, a Piper and a Douglas DC-9-32 collided over Cerritos California. The Piper, carrying the pilot and two passengers was going from Torrence to Big Bear. They departed Torrence at 11:46. The DC-9 from Mexico City was approaching Los Angeles with 58 passengers and 6 crew aboard. At 11:52 am, the DC-9’s left horizontal stabilizer sheared through the Piper’s cockpit like a can-opener.

The Piper crashed in the Cerritos Elementary School playground; the DC-9 in a Cerritos neighborhood destroying five houses, damaging seven more and killing an additional 15 on the ground.

Descriptions of the collision still fill me with horror.

The accident predates some of the precautionary measures we have now. Now, the Piper would have a Mode C transponder, which would indicate that it was too high, breeching LAX Terminal Control area; LAX was not at that time equipped with automatic warning systems.

It has been twenty-five years since that accident happened. A memorial ceremony now is being held commemorating the tragedy in the Cerritos Sculpture Garden, and another in Loreto, Mexico. The tragedy is being remembered by at least 30 US families, 20 Mexican families, in at least one home in Colombia, and one in El Salvador. It is being remembered in the neighborhood the wreckage demolished, where families neither need nor want a plaque to remind them of their loss.

There is a reminder of this crash in every light plane, and every jet. In fact, everyone who flies now, everyone who has flown and not died in a crash owes a debt to the victims of this senseless tragedy, because this was the event that spurred the FAA to require “Mode C” transponders that could report three-dimensional positioning on light aircraft. This was the event that spurred the FAA to require TCAS on airliners.

I still live to breathe the smoggy air of Los Angeles. And as long as I still have the breath of life, I will remember the day when these 82 souls breathed their last.

Aviation tragedies shatters lives like broken glass, and there is no lawsuit, no settlement, no “all the kings horses, nor all the kings men” who can ever put families back together again.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Airbus, airliners.net, Boeing, EgyptAir, JFK, Lufthansa, Runway Incursion

Lufthansa and Egyptair Close Call

 


Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Khor

What: Lufthansa Airbus A340-600 en from New York to Munich


Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Howard Pain

What: Egyptair Boeing 777-300 en route from New York Cairo
Where: JFK’s runway 22R
When: Jun 20th 2011

Why: The Lufthansa Airbus was next and at high speed when ATC cancelled their clearance. Lufthansa subsequently rejected takeoff and slowed. Takeoff was delayed for about two hours, until after brakes were checked.

Simultaneously, the Egyptair Boeing was taxiing for departure and holding, but missed their turn and accidentally turned on to runway 22. The Egyptair flight vacated the runway as directed. The flight took off 75 minutes later.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Barjas Airport, Crash, Lawsuit, McDonnell Douglas, Spain, Spanair

Madrid Crash Case Should Be Tried Here, Not Stuck in Spanish Amber

March coverage included the news of Central District of California U.S. District Judge Gary Allen Feess dismissing the case against McDonnell Douglas (and component manufacturers) because he believed the litigation of the airline crash case should be moved to Spain. Spanair Flight JK 5022, the deadliest Spanish accident in the last 20 years, killed 154 people (18 survivors) when it crashed just after takeoff at the Barajas Airport in Madrid.

Here is the problem:
In Spain, Spainair filed for a delay which was granted, and now, criminal proceedings have pre-empted civil proceedings, which now makes the Madrid case stuck in Spanish suspended animation.

Families believe that this new development should allow their case to be reconsidered in US Courts.

Suspending civil proceedings until criminal proceedings are concluded could extend the length of time it takes the aviation case to complete. Aviation cases normally take a long time to settle anyway)

According to forum non conveniens, the court court can dismiss a case where another court or forum is better suited to hear the case. (Plaintiffs refer to another Spanair crash case which took eleven years to settle.)

The judge’s decision was based on his opinion that that private and public interest factors weigh in favor of shifting the litigation to Spain. But now that the case will be delayed indefinitely pending the judiciary of Spain’s criminal case, the interest of the families who were affected by the crash has in effect been swept aside.

How is that in anyone’s best interest? Why must the victims’ justice wait on Spain looking at two maintenance personnel have been charged with negligent homicide?

The judge cited “drawbacks associated with translating the cockpit voice recording” but, as Boeing was a technical adviser to the U.S. investigative team, and downloads, transcripts and the cockpit voice recorder are part of evidence already secured in the United States which cannot be secured in Spain.

Plaintiffs argue that family members were injured or died because of problems with the wing slats and flaps (component failure). The facts support the case being tried in US Courts.

Read More…


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Air France, Airbus, Collision, Comair, JFK, runway, USA, Video

Comair jet struck by Air France Airbus on the ground.

What: Air France Airbus 380 en route from NY to Paris
Where: JFK, NY
When: April 11, 2011
Who: Air France Airbus passengers; and Comair passengers;
Why: A Delta/Comair Bombardier CRJ-700 (N641CA) which had just flown in from Boston was struck in the tail by the left wing of an Airbus.

There were no injuries, but a lot of inconvenience, plus damage to both planes. (The Comair left horizontal stabilizer and the Airbus wingtip.) The Air France flight was cancelled because of the damage. Both flights were cancelled, although the Air France flight hadn’t gone anywhere. The Air France passengers had to disembark and retrieve their luggage as alternatives for reaching their destination were sorted out.

The National Transportation Safety Board is investigating.

O'Hare - Chicago

O’Hare NOTAM Safety issues Critical Mass

It is a good thing that the FAA is in a constant state of flux, always looking out for the next hazard. The next one (now) is revamping air field condition notification procedures. This because of a series of close calls at O’Hare’s runway project which is in mid-process of being rebuilt.

ignorance of a (notice) concerning work in progress reducing runway length.
This because of a FED EX flight which had been routed to a shortened runway (by 4000 feet less than the pilots thought.) The Fed Ex pilots barely made it over the fence but there was damage. Boeing pilots in July 2007 had the same issue, ignorance of a shortened runway.

The problem is pilots being uninformed about disruptions due to expansion, barricades, increased maintenance vehicle traffic. A mass of NOTAM “notices to airmen” handed out as a stack of pages is not efficient. Crucial notices are mixed in with irrelevant or nonoperational data. Prioritizing crucial alerts would go a long way in making construction zones safer.


Air Safety, Ronald Reagan Airport DC, Video, Washington

Washington National: Act III

Click to reveal audio window

You’ve heard about Act I, the American Airlines Boeing, which landed without the benefit of ATC guidance at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport

You’ve heard about Act II, the United Airlines Airbus, which also landed without benefit of ATC guidance.

So why was the tower offline? Simple. The controller apparently fell asleep on duty. The supervisor was on duty alone that night

It is interesting and perhaps significant to note that the media is much more alarmed about this than most pilots seem to be. The midnight shift at many airports has minimal traffic and there is only one air traffic controller on duty. As was the case at Reagan National, Pilots have access to other air traffic towers. When failing to raise National, the two planes that landed on Wednesday contacted a nearby Warrenton Tower.

The controller is not a beginner. He’s been on the job at Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport for 17 years. This was his 4th successive night on the 10 p.m. to 6 a.m shift. There’s no denying that he should not have fallen asleep, or that there should have been two controllers there. But there are some factors to consider.

  • The accident would have been a whole lot worse if there had not been established protocols for dealing with an airport deemed “uncontrolled.”
  • The first crew designated an advisory frequency. (Emergency procedures.)
  • The second flight crew was aware of the problem, having been informed via that frequency about the silent tower.
  • Washington noise abatement prevents all but a few midnight flights.

Yes it was a bad situation, but it could have been worse. It’s a good thing there were fall back procedures for the pilots to rely on. At least they never lost radar. And pilots are trained to land without ATC guidance, just in case something like this happens. And, after all, there are airports like Casa Grande, Arizona which are unmonitored and uncontrolled. Listen to the pilots in the audio below. They don’t sound at all stressed by the situation.

There are consequences that will be far reaching. A minimum of two controllers is going to be mandatory. The controller who fell asleep has been suspended and will be handled according to procedures in the Human Resource Policy Manual.

But there may be more to come after this. Policy changes, perhaps a lawsuit, perhaps even criminal charges.Or perhaps only retraining for the controller. Time will tell. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood has ordered two controllers on the midnight shift at National.

Airport ATC Audio


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Airbus, airliners.net, communication, error, United Airlines, Washington

Washington National: Act II


Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Jean-Claude Simard

What: United Airlines Airbus A320-200 en route from Chicago O’Hare,IL to Washington National
Where: Washington DC
When: Mar 22nd 2011
Who: 68 people aboard
Why: The United crew was informed that the airport was “uncontrolled” via the advisory frequency. The plane made a visual approach and landed ten minutes after the American Airlines flight


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
airliners.net, American Airlines, Boeing, communication, error, Washington

Washington National: Act I


Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Rudy Chiarello

What: American Airlines Boeing 737-800 en route from Miami,FL to Washington National,DC
Where: Washington
When: Mar 22nd 2011
Who: 97 people on board
Why: On approach to Washington National, the crew found themselves without feedback from ATC. They declared the airport uncontrolled. The tower frequency was declared an advisory frequency and landed safely without clearance.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Airport, Peru, press release

Fraport Celebrates 10th Anniversary of Lima Airport Concession

Win-win Privatization Project: Over $270 Million in Airport Investments and Over $700 Million in Payments to Peru Since 2001 – Passenger Traffic Surges 17 Percent in 2010 – Skytrax “Best Airport in South America” 2009 & 2010

FRANKFURT, Germany, February 3, 2011 — Last night in the Peruvian capital, Fraport AG and its majority-owned Lima Airport Partners (LAP) joint venture company celebrated the 10th anniversary of the successful Jorge Chavez International Airport Lima concession, which began in February 2001. The event was attended by Peru’s first vice president Luis Giampietri and other high-ranking business and political leaders — underscoring the airport’s significance as a key gateway for the country. Speaking at the event, Fraport AG’s executive board chairman Dr. Stefan Schulte said: “We are proud of this win-win airport privatization concession which benefits not only travelers worldwide but serves as a strategic aviation gateway for Peru and the region.”

“We have demonstrated our dedication and long-term commitment to this project. Traffic has grown from less than 4 million passengers in 2001 to more than 10 million in 2010. Jorge Chavez was the first airport to achieve investment grade status in the region. Lima Airport has won numerous awards because of its commitment to quality and high service standards. And, Lima Airport Partners has transferred more than $700 million to the Peruvian government since the beginning of the concession,” Schulte added.

Lima Airport (LIM) welcomed about 10.3 million passengers in 2010, surging by 17.0 percent year-on-year. Since Fraport took over operations a decade ago, LIM has recorded a 10.8 percent compounded annual rate of growth in passenger traffic. Last year, passenger growth was driven, in particular, by additional frequencies on domestic routes. LIM handles well over 90 percent of the country’s international traffic. More international routes are expected in 2011, including several European destinations. Cargo throughput also advanced last year by 17.0 percent to nearly 272,000 metric tons, while aircraft movements climbed by 14.8 percent to more than 120,000 takeoffs and landings. Thus, LIM continues to strengthen its position as a regional air transportation hub for Latin America.

LAP took over the operation of Lima Airport on February 14, 2001. Fraport has a 70.01 percent shareholding in Lima Airport Partners, followed by International Finance Corporation (IFC) with 19.99 percent and AC Capitales Safi of Peru (Fondo de Inversion en Infrastructura, Servicios Publicos y Recursos Naturales) with 10.0 percent. Under the 30-year airport concession (with a 10-year option to extend) Fraport assumed the contractual role of airport manager and is responsible for operations, security, planning, maintenance and other activities.

Since 2001, Lima Airport Partners (LAP) has invested $272.5 million in modernizing and expanding the passenger terminal as well as improving airside infrastructure, computer and communications systems, and enhancing customer service. Milestones have included redevelopment of the terminal complex, the new Peru Plaza shopping mall in 2005, new gates and passenger loading bridges, various other airside improvements, implementation of SAP computer applications and Red Gigabit – an advanced computer communications network for LAP and other users of the airport community.

“For the future, we see further growth and development. Jorge Chavez International Airport will continue to be a very important part of the Fraport Group family, and we will continue to develop the airport’s capacity – as the main gateway to Peru and the leading gateway to the region,” added Schulte.

Fraport AG’s know-how has played a significant role in modernizing and expanding Peru’s international air transportation gateway during the past decade. Along with implementing high international aviation standards, LAP offers passengers a world-class and economically successful airport. LIM http://www.lima-airport.com) serves as an attractive calling card for this fascinating Andean country and the surrounding region. Peru’s vast tourism and economic potential and its strategic geographic location are important advantages for further developing Lima as a leading Latin American gateway.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Blue Grass Airport, FAA, press release

Blue Grass Airport Executive Director Eric Frankl Receives Federal Aviation Administration Award

 , ,

LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 28, 2011 — Eric J. Frankl, A.A.E., Executive Director of Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport, has been selected as the 2010 Air Carrier Airport Manager of the Year by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Southern Region. The award was presented at the annual FAA Southern Region Airports Communications Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on January 27, 2011.

“Eric Frankl has been very instrumental in the remarkable accomplishments at Lexington’s Blue Grass Airport,” said Winsome A. Lenfert, Manager, Airports Division, FAA Southern Region. “Frankl’s tireless leadership has transformed Blue Grass Airport into a model facility. He is an inspiration to airport managers throughout the Southern Region.”

In his position at Blue Grass Airport, Frankl and his team have overseen more than $66 million worth of airport improvement projects to ensure a safe and efficient airport for the traveling public. Projects included renovation of the airport terminal interior and exterior, building a new crosswind general aviation runway, unveiling a new airport entrance reflective of the Bluegrass region, and taxiway, ramp and electrical vault improvements.

Under Frankl’s leadership, Blue Grass Airport has seen a 19.3 percent passenger growth rate in 2010. This double-digit increase is attributed to the welcoming of AirTran Airways in February 2010 as well as new Allegiant Air service to Punta Gorda/Southwest Florida, American Eagle service to Chicago, Delta Air Lines service to Minneapolis and US Airways service to New York’s LaGuardia Airport.

In October 2010, as the airport hosted the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games, Frankl led the airport through one of the busiest months in its history when it experienced a 39 percent growth in passenger enplanements over the previous year. Held every four years, attendance for the Games exceeded 500,000 spectators and included representation from 58 countries.

“We are proud of the accomplishments Eric Frankl and his staff have undertaken since his tenure at Blue Grass Airport,” said Richard Hopgood, Chairman of the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Airport Board. “He has made tremendous efforts in building relationships within the aviation industry and local community, and he has led us through one of the busiest construction seasons in the airport’s history. We are pleased he is receiving this distinguished recognition and appreciate the excellent relationship he has built with the FAA.”

Since 2008, the FAA has provided Blue Grass Airport with 15 grants totaling $26 million in Airport Improvement Program funds for various airport projects including the new general aviation runway. The Southern Region is the FAA’s largest, encompassing eight southeastern states, Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

In addition to this award, Blue Grass Airport was recognized with the FAA Airport Safety Mark of Distinction Award earlier in the week at the FAA Southern Region 2011 Airport Safety and Certification Conference. Blue Grass Airport received this honor for construction of its new general aviation runway and for the development of an airport operations department.
Eric Frankl was confirmed as Executive Director of Blue Grass Airport in October 2009. In addition to his work for Blue Grass Airport, Frankl previously served as Director of Airports for the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority (Ohio), Executive Director for the Abraham Lincoln Capital Airport in Springfield, Illinois and Director of Operations at Fort Wayne International Airport in Fort Wayne, Indiana. Frankl received his professional accreditation from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) in 1996, and he served as President of the AAAE Great Lakes Chapter in 2004/2005.

Blue Grass Airport, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is served by seven major airlines providing convenient non-stop service to 15 major hub cities and connecting service to hundreds of destinations worldwide.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Blue Grass Airport, press release

Blue Grass Airport Awarded Federal Aviation Administration Airport Safety Mark of Distinction Award

 

LEXINGTON, Ky., Jan. 26, 2011 — Blue Grass Airport has been presented with the Airport Safety Mark of Distinction Award by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Awarded at the FAA Southern Region 2011 Airport Safety and Certification Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on January 24, the airport received this honor for construction of its new general aviation runway and associated taxiways and for the development of an airport operations department.

The FAA developed this award to promote safety among the FAA Southern Region certificated airports and to recognize actions and efforts involving an airport that deserves praise for its demonstrated effect on the advancement of safety.

“It is a tremendous honor for our airport to receive such a distinguished award,” said Eric Frankl, executive director at Blue Grass Airport. “I am proud of our operations and public safety staff as well as our maintenance staff for all of their hard work in making a number of changes over the past year. Providing a safe airfield environment for our airlines and passengers is our first priority.”

In August 2010, the airport hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony for its new general aviation runway, Runway 9-27. This 4,000 foot runway is used by private and corporate general aviation aircraft and enhances safety during crosswind conditions. General aviation activity accounts for approximately 65% of the total operations at Blue Grass Airport.

In addition to the new runway, Blue Grass Airport has created a strong operations team over the past year that coordinates all safety and operational activities with external agencies. This includes working with the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, airlines, general aviation, tenants and other organizations.

“We are thankful for the partnership we have with the FAA, and we will continue to work together to ensure we are providing a safe and convenient airport,” Frankl added.

Blue Grass Airport, located in Lexington, Kentucky, is served by seven major airlines providing convenient non-stop service to 15 major hub cities and connecting service to hundreds of destinations worldwide.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Air Safety, Domodedovo Russia, explosion, Video

Breaking News: Explosion at Domodedovo

EXPLOSION AT MOSCOW’S DOMODEDOVO AIRPORT KILLS AT LEAST 10, HURTS AT LEAST 20 –

A suicide bomber has been reported to have killed 10 at a Moscow airport. Dozens are reported to have been injured. The explosion occurred in the international baggage-claim near a baggage carousel. People are being evacuated from the airport.


update

23 killed 130 injured


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
FAA, LaGuardia, press release

FAA Dedicates New Airport Traffic Control Tower for LaGuardia Airport

 

For Immediate Release
January 21, 2011

NEW YORK–The Federal Aviation Administration today dedicated a new airport traffic control tower for LaGuardia Airport (LGA) that will replace the one that has served the airport since 1964. In 2010, air traffic controllers at LGA handled nearly 400,000 takeoffs and landings.

“LaGuardia Airport plays an important role in our country’s aviation infrastructure,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood. “This modern tower will help enhance the safety and efficiency of air travel in and out of the New York metropolitan area.”

The tower will be equipped with the latest aviation technology, including the Airport Surface Detection System Model X (ASDE-X), which allows controllers to track surface movement of aircraft and vehicles. Controllers will also be using the Integrated Control and Monitoring System (ICMS), which consolidates information including navigational aid displays into one screen.

“Today marks a culmination of years of hard work by many people both inside and outside the FAA,” said FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt. “This tower symbolizes the direction the FAA is taking by transforming the future of aviation with new technology.”

The new 233-foot high tower is 82 feet higher than the previous tower and has an 850 square foot tower cab. The total cost to design, equip, and construct the new tower was approximately $100 million.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Boeing, cracked windshield, Delta, Denver, Sky West

Cracked Windshield on takeoff

 

This is the weather for cracked windshields. One almost wonders if maintenance crews are using hot water on that cold glass in Denver.
We see:

Denver: Skywest CRJ7-Cracked windshield
Denver: Skywest CRJ12-Cracked windshield
Denver: B752-Cracked windshield

Cold makes glass more brittle so that it can crack more easily without additional stresses. We also have:

Valdosta: PSA CRJ7 Cracked windshield

Do think that PSA flight flew from Charlotte NC to Tallahassee by way of Denver?


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Continental, de-icing, Emergency, leak, Logan, smoke

Logan Emergency Landing


Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Michael Carter

What: Continental/ ExpressJet Embraer ERJ-145 en route from Manchester NH to Newark NJ
Where: Logan
When: Jan 18, 2010
Who: 44 passengers and 3 crew
Why: After taking off 6 hours late after ground stops due to the weather, after five minutes in flight, smoke in the cabin forced the pilots to divert to Logan Airport. Emergency was declared due to “smoke in the lavatory.” In the meantime, passengers were covering their faces because of the smoke. A leak, mechanical problem and possible fire was reported on the Continental flight and speculation is that de-icing fluid had infiltrated the engine, causing burn-off.

The plane landed safely at Logan, with emergency crews on standby.

37 passengers boarded another plane around 3 pm to continue to their destination.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Boeing, communication, Delta, Dump fuel, fire, galley, JFK, NY JFK

Delta Galley Fire

What: Delta Airlines Boeing 747-400 en route from New York to Tel Aviv
Where: New York
When: Dec 11th 2010
Who: 399 aboard
Why: After takeoff from JFK, the crew reported a fire in galley 2. While burning off fuel to land, the fire went out; but additional problems with fuel pumps were reported. The flight dumped fuel and landed an hour and a half after departure.

There was also a degree of interference with messaging between the plane and ATC caused by bleedover from a commercial station but not enough to cause problems.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
airliners.net, Embraer, Emergency, flap problems, Jet Blue, Logan

Jet Blue Flap-free Landing in Boston


Click to view full size photo at Airliners.net
Contact photographer Ronald J Stella

What: JetBlue Embraer 190 en route from Charlotte, N.C., to Boston
Where: Boston
When: Nov 17, 2010, 9 a.m.
Who: 25 passengers
Why: While en route, the plane developed a problem with the flaps. After declaring an emergency, the pilot made it safely to Logan, landing without flaps.

* Note the photo of this plane in Boston last year.


Warning: Trying to access array offset on value of type null in /home/airflight/www/www/wp-content/themes/fluida/includes/loop.php on line 270
Boeing, LAX, Southwest, turbulence

LAX Turbulence Injures Flight Attendant

What: Southwest Airlines Boeing 737-700 en route from San Francisco to Los Angeles
Where: Los Angeles
When: Sep 29th 2010
Who: flight attendant
Why: On approach to LA, the Boeing encountered turbulence. A flight attendant sustained minor injuries.

Content not attributed to or linked to original, is the property of AirFlightDisaster.com; all rights reserved.

Site Credits