Flight Safety Foundation Airport Operations 2001

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November–December 2001

Rejected Takeoff Prevents Runway Collision After System of ATC Defenses Fails 6 pages. [PDF 42K]

The Dutch Transportation Safety Board said that the Boeing 767 flight crew observed the Boeing 747 as it was being towed across the runway in low-visibility conditions. The takeoff clearance involved misinterpretation of the surface movement radar display of the B-747’s position and direction of movement.

September–October 2001

Memory Lapses, Miscommunication, Inadequate Coordination Cited as Most Common Causes of Tower Controllers’ Errors 8 pages. [PDF 55K]

The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration says that reports on operational errors at U.S. airport traffic control towers show that the most common contributing factor was that the controller forgot crucial information, such as an aircraft clearance, a vehicle on a runway or a closed runway.

July–August 2001

Traffic Conflict Near Australian Airport Prompts Call for Airborne Collision Avoidance Systems 8 pages. [PDF 58K]

The investigation revealed problems with situational awareness and self-separation techniques under instrument flight rules. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau recommended mandatory use of airborne collision avoidance systems by aircraft with 10 seats to 30 seats in regular public transport operations.

March–June 2001

Special Double Issue: In Aircraft Fueling, Fire Prevention Requires Strict Compliance With Routine Procedures 16 pages. [PDF 110K]

Universally recommended practices for fueling transport aircraft have helped to maintain a low incidence of jet-fuel fires on airport ramps. Despite the few accidents on record, complacency, poor training, inadequate compliance with procedures or neglected maintenance can cause serious consequences.

January–February 2001

U.S. Security Screeners Must Improve Performance at Airport Checkpoints 8 pages. [PDF 73K]

A study of security-screening practices at airports in Belgium, Canada, France, Netherlands, the United Kingdom and the United States said that aptitude, job qualifications, pay and training influence screeners’ effectiveness in detecting hazardous items in carry-on baggage.