Slate News What Next | Are Airplane Crashes Inevitable?
Feb 4, 2025
Dan Kois, a Slate writer and author of five books, discusses aviation safety in light of a recent tragic mid-air collision. He dives into the growing concerns of imminent airline crashes and the political dynamics that prioritize convenience over safety. Kois highlights the chronic understaffing in air traffic control and the historical context of the industry’s challenges. He also explores the public’s perception of air travel risks compared to more common dangers, raising questions about how society balances safety and risk acceptance.
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Systemic Aviation Issues
- The recent midair collision reveals systemic issues in American aviation, including understaffed air traffic control and a lack of visibility on aircraft.
- These issues, coupled with increased flight loads at already capacity-strained airports like Reagan National, heighten safety concerns.
Air Traffic Controller Crisis
- Air traffic controller staffing shortages are a chronic problem, stemming from underfunding and high burnout rates.
- The lack of funding and the inability of controllers to strike perpetuates this issue, impacting safety.
Aviation Self-Reporting System
- Aviation has a unique self-reporting system where pilots can confidentially report errors without punishment.
- This system, run by NASA, allows for identification and correction of safety issues, leading to incremental improvements.