The Political Scene | The New Yorker Is Flying Actually Becoming Less Safe?
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Feb 6, 2025 Matthew L. Wald, a seasoned transportation safety reporter, joins the discussion on the recent tragic collision between an American Airlines plane and a Black Hawk helicopter. He analyzes the political fallout and the current state of aviation safety, emphasizing issues at the FAA and the impact of misguided blame on diversity initiatives. Wald highlights the significant decline in airline crashes due to tech advancements, while cautioning against the politicization of safety regulations and the importance of informed public perception in aviation.
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Past Collisions
- Only two similar collisions occurred in the past 20 years: a turboprop near Buffalo in 2006 and an Asiana 777 in San Francisco in 2009.
- Technological advancements and increased vigilance have made major airline crashes rare.
Reagan Airport Crash Details
- Initial details about the Reagan Airport crash suggest a collision between a helicopter and a plane.
- The helicopter was supposed to maintain a lower altitude and avoid the plane, but the exact cause remains uncertain.
Near Misses and ATC Lapses
- Despite few accidents, near misses involving commercial airlines have increased, often due to air traffic control issues.
- The FAA reported a significant rise in air traffic control lapses, potentially linked to increased traffic at hub airports and staffing challenges.