Chapter 1: The State of US Air Travel Safety

The United States boasts one of the safest air travel systems globally, with only one fatal incident per 50 million flights. However, beneath this commendable statistic lies a disturbing threat that jeopardizes the safety of millions of passengers and crew members: the increasing number of close calls between aircraft.

Close calls, or near misses, refer to situations in which two or more aircraft come perilously close to colliding, risking both passenger safety and control of the aircraft. These incidents often stem from human errors, such as mistakes made by pilots or air traffic controllers, or external factors like adverse weather conditions or equipment malfunctions.

A recent investigation by The New York Times has uncovered a troubling rise in close calls involving commercial airlines in the US, occurring more frequently than many might expect. The report highlighted at least 46 near misses reported in July alone, averaging multiple occurrences each week throughout the year. This alarming trend was corroborated by internal FAA records, federal safety reports, and interviews with aviation professionals.

Some of the most startling incidents include aborted landings, near collisions, and runway incursions. For instance, on July 10, a United Airlines flight from Newark to Los Angeles narrowly avoided a Cessna, coming within 300 feet of the aircraft. Similarly, on July 16, a Delta Air Lines flight from Atlanta to Boston had to abruptly ascend to avoid colliding with an American Airlines flight on the runway. On July 23, a Southwest Airlines flight from Dallas to Orlando nearly collided with a private jet over Florida.

The investigation also revealed significant shortcomings in the FAA's oversight of airline safety. The agency issued a warning letter to Envoy Air, the primary regional carrier for American Airlines, for non-compliance with safety standards. However, no action has been taken against American Airlines, despite findings from the Department of Transportation’s inspector general that pointed to inadequate oversight of the airline's safety protocols.

The FAA has recognized the issue and is implementing measures to mitigate serious close calls. These include the introduction of new technologies like automatic dependent surveillance-broadcast (ADS-B), which facilitates aircraft position and speed communication, the hiring of additional controllers in high-traffic areas such as New York and Chicago, and conducting comprehensive safety assessments of airports and airlines.

Nonetheless, industry experts argue that these initiatives may not suffice, calling for more profound changes to ensure air travel safety in the US. Advocates are pushing for enhanced transparency, accountability, and stricter enforcement from the FAA, along with improved training and public awareness initiatives within the aviation sector.

"We're playing Russian roulette with people's lives," stated a veteran air traffic controller who requested anonymity.

Section 1.1: Investigative Findings and Implications

The recent revelations from The New York Times have sparked significant discussions regarding the safety of US air travel, particularly highlighting the frequent nature of near misses and the potential risks involved.

Subsection 1.1.1: The Role of Technology in Safety Improvements

Chapter 2: FAA's Response and Future Directions

The second video titled "Too Many Close Calls? FAA Responds To New York Times Report" discusses the FAA's response to the alarming increase in near misses and the agency's ongoing efforts to enhance safety standards.

Relevant articles:

• Airline Close Calls Happen Far More Often Than Previously Known, The New York Times, August 23, 2023
• FAA Oversight of American Airlines Safety Programs Is Insufficient, Business Insider, October 1, 2021
• Plane vs. car safety: America has the world’s safest air travel but is so bad at car safety, Vox, August 25, 2023
• FAA Warns American Airlines’ Largest Regional Carrier, Envoy Air, About Safety Lapses, Live and Let’s Fly, May 20, 2021

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