How Today’s Aircraft Accidents Could Make Future Planes Safer
Mar 1, 2024
13:19
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Recent aircraft incidents are helping engineers design safer airplanes by incorporating advanced materials and computer systems. The podcast discusses the balance between automation and human pilots, as well as advancements in aircraft safety technology to improve emergency situations and structural strength.
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Quick takeaways
Advanced materials like composites improve aircraft strength and efficiency.
Integrating automated systems with human pilots enhances flight safety and emergency responses.
Deep dives
The evolution of airplane materials towards safety and efficiency
Airplane engineers are increasingly using composite materials for aircraft construction due to their strength and lightweight properties. These materials, like those found in the Airbus A350, offer a balance between strength and aerodynamics, making airplanes more efficient and resilient to impact.
Balancing automation in aircraft design and safety
The aviation industry faces the challenge of integrating automated systems while ensuring pilots can effectively respond to emergencies. With advancements in artificial intelligence and technology, pilots are aided by electronic flight bags and monitoring systems to enhance safety without compromising human intervention in critical situations.
Enhancing aircraft safety through robust design and materials
Future aircraft designs aim to minimize potential mid-flight damages by utilizing larger structural sections and reducing connections to improve structural robustness. In incidents such as the Japan Airlines accident, the survivability of composite materials compared to traditional aluminum alloys plays a crucial role in passenger safety and evacuation procedures.
In recent months, an Alaska Airlines jet lost a door plug mid-flight, and a Japan Airlines plane collided with another aircraft at an airport in Tokyo. Accidents like these are uncommon, but they could help engineers design safer airplanes. Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University associate professor Anthony Brickhouse tells WSJ’s Danny Lewis how advanced materials and computer systems could bring flight into a safer future, while making sure human pilots are still part of the equation.