What Next | Daily News and Analysis Are Airplane Crashes Inevitable?
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Feb 4, 2025 Dan Kois, a seasoned writer at Slate and author of five books, dives into the pressing issues of aviation safety. He discusses the alarming increase in near misses and the systemic challenges faced by air traffic control due to staffing shortages. The conversation critiques the political blame game following recent crashes, questioning Congress's commitment to safety versus convenience. Kois also examines the impact of pilot shortages and calls for a transparent culture in aviation, urging a reevaluation of our societal values regarding safety.
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Air Traffic Control Crisis
- Air traffic control staffing is the biggest crisis in US airline safety.
- Controllers are overworked due to understaffing, increasing the risk of errors.
Strikes and Safety
- Federal workers, including air traffic controllers, cannot legally strike.
- This removes a crucial safety valve for addressing unsafe working conditions.
Aviation Safety Reporting System
- The Aviation Safety Reporting System (ASRS) allows anonymous reporting of aviation incidents.
- This system enables improvements, but political inaction hinders funding for crucial upgrades.