Study Finds Head-up Guidance Technology Increases Flight Safety

The Rockwell Collins homepage reports on a study conducted by the Flight Safety Foundation on how head-up guidance system technology could have prevented or positively influenced 38 percent of all commercial aircraft accidents that occurred over the past 13 years.

"Head-up guidance systems technology is a great safety tool for the prevention of runway excursions, loss of control, and approach and landing accidents," said Bob Vandel, foundation fellow for Flight Safety Foundation. Vandel co-authored the study with Earl Weener, Ph.D. and foundation fellow. "This technology provides extremely useful data to the flight deck crew which allows them to be the pilot they always thought they were."

A complete copy of the report can be downloaded on the Flight Safety Web site at http://flightsafety.org/files/hgs_nov09.pdf. (Note: PDF File)

 

Source: Rockwell Collins

AmSafe Aviation Airbag System To Be Distributed Throughout Piper Aircraft Service Network

AmSafe, a provider of safety products for aviation, recently announced an agreement with Piper Aircraft to distribute the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System throughout the Piper Aircraft Service Network of service centers.

Photo Credit: Piper Aircraft

According to AmSafe, the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System is an available option on all new PA-46 aircraft and for aftermarket installation on entry level and twin engine Piper models. With this agreement, AmSafe expands its network of authorized AmSafe Aviation Airbag service centers to over 500 locations worldwide.

"AmSafe is pleased to expand the number of Piper Aircraft models that support the Aviation Airbag System. By incorporating the Piper Aircraft Service Network into our own, it is easier than ever for more Piper operators to take advantage of the increased safety and protection this system affords," said AmSafe Aviation President Bill Hagan. "Currently installed in roughly 80 percent of all new single-engine general aviation aircraft, the AmSafe Aviation Airbag System is a proven technology that saves lives. We look forward to working with Piper Aircraft and other manufacturers to ensure it is available in the most popular GA aircraft models."

Photo Credit: AmSafe
The AmSafe Airbag System is a self-contained, modular restraint designed to improve occupant protection from serious head-impact injury and enhance one's ability to exit the aircraft following an otherwise survivable accident.

When the system's sensors detect a crash, an airbag built into the restraint deploys up and away from the seat occupant-unlike automobile airbags which deploy toward the occupant. The AmSafe Aviation Airbag System has been rigorously tested to meet Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) requirements.

Source: AmSafe Photo Credit: AmSafe and Piper Aircraft

FAA Details Flight Restrictions Before and During Presidential Inauguration

AOPA Online reports on the special flight restrictions for Pre-Inaugural activities on January 18, 2009, and for the Inauguration of President-elect Barack Obama on January 20, 2009.

According to AOPA, the Washington, D.C., Air Defense Identification Zone and Flight Restricted Zone will be closed to general aviation aircraft on Jan. 20 for the inauguration.

If you are planning to fly in to see the Inauguration, AOPA suggests their home airport, Frederick Municipal (FDK), as a convenient landing area outside of the no-fly zone.

The FAA’s official site has an official press release outlining the flight restrictions zone during the Inauguration.

Source: AOPA Online and The Federal Aviation Administration

Nesting Birds Can Use Your Plane as a New Home

Birds can be aviation hazard if they fly or nest too close to runways. They can also be a problem if they claim the inside of your plane as a new home.

The AOPA Pilot Blog features a story on birds building nests inside parked aircraft. Birds will build nests in places ranging from inside the engine cowling, wheel wells, and even the tail section.

Make sure to inspect your aircraft to make sure the only thing with wings is the plane.

Source: AOPA Pilot Blog

AOPA Says Look Out For Ethanol In Your Aircraft Fuel

The AOPA website features a story suggesting pilots make sure their fuel does not contain ethanol.

According to the story, more blended fuel is offered at pumps around the country. Some pumps might lack labels indicating the fuel contains ethanol.

Ethanol can degrade hoses in aircraft engines and attract water, which promotes corrosion.

Source: AOPA

Bill seeks to criminalize aiming laser pointers at aircraft

According to Photonics.com recent bill passed by the House of Representatives would criminalize the act of aiming a laser pointer at a passing plane.

There have been hundreds of reported incidents of lasers aimed at aircraft. Inexpensive lasers pointers are sold as keychains, toys, and for use during business presentations. Light from a handheld laser is powerful enough reach from the ground to aircraft. The glare can distract or even temporarily blind a pilot.

While no crashes have been attributed to lasers, the new bill is meant to prevent such a disaster from happening.

Guide your aircraft using XM WX Satellite Weather

The XM WX Satellite Weather service provides crucial weather information for pilots, displaying radar data and other information on a dash-mounted or handheld device.

Flying Magazine's site features a profile devices used for XM WX Satellite Weather (or XM Weather for short) and the different versions and prices available to pilots.

While XM Weather devices offer information to small plane pilots that larger planes receive, pilots still have to interpret the data and respect the limitations of the technology.

XM Weather information works best when balanced with other weather prediction tools and sound judgment by experienced pilots.

Flying sand may have cracked aircraft windshields in Denver

The recent mystery over cracked windshields at Denver International Airport may have been solved, with wind-driven sand blamed as the culprit.

On February 16, fourteen planes at the Denver Airport developed cracks on their front and side windshields, which prompted an investigation.

According to the The Denver Post, it is now believed that sand put down on the runway may have been driven the 48 mph winds that day, causing pitting damage, then cracks, on the windshields.

Cracked airplane windshields prompt investigation in Denver

ABCnews.com features a story on an investigation into thirteen cracked aircraft windshields at Denver International Airport.

An airplane windshield is supposed to withstand extreme temperatures found at high altitudes and speeds up to 400 knots. Windshields are also designed to withstand physical trauma, such as bird strikes during flight.

The reason for the cracking is especially puzzling because windshields have broken both in flight and while the planes are parked on the tarmac.

While high winds and cold temperatures have buffeted the Denver area recently, the number of windshield problems in one place is unusual.