Terrestrial gamma-ray radiation. No, it’s not the latest incarnation of Captain Kirk’s phaser, even though it does sound like it belongs in prime time on the syfy channel.

If jets pass near lightning discharges or “terrestrial gamma-ray flashes” (TGF’s), aviation passengers can be exposed to radiation equivalent to 40 x rays. The exposure occurs when the plane is close to the lightning discharge’s origin. Scientists are recommending planes carry TGF meters to help them study the phenomenon. They believe TGFs are generated by electric fields above thunderstorms, although the mechanism is unknown, and the likelihood of exposure is low.

Famous last words.

Thank you scientists. More for airline travelers to worry about.

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Ill-Run PIA Approaching EU Banned List

Forty uncertified defects found on PK-734 operated by A310 at Paris on 9 Aug 2011 leads the European Union to declare CAA regulatory control “unreliable.” A ban will likely be imposed in March 2012.

DGAC France has been authorized to perform routine inspections on PIA on behalf of EASA since November and has found and documented problems. Pia’s poorly maintained fleet of old Boeing 747 and A310 fleet is already banned. The supposedly penniless airline is making payments on new Boeing 777s and is arranging financing of 1.5 billion for 5 more, and possible 5 more after that.

Flakey and unreliable scheduling of flights has resulted in bad credibility and lack of confidence in the national airline; and that lack of credibility is trickling down to the financing. As recently as March 2, a flight was delayed over 24 hours, and the scene at the airport was described as pure chaos.

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