Does the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) really protect we the people from disasters in the air and on the ground? I believe private citizens and airline operators could utilize common sense and practical judgement to self govern the flying industry. You may think this is a crazy proposition but think about the military who does not require the FAA to operate their aircraft but have their own rules and regulations. Do they not have high safety success and impeccable standards? I am not saying we should give up air traffic controllers and ground station operators. Using my professional knowledge and insight as a former airline employee, I could tell you countless tales of how ridiculous many of the rules the airlines must follow to keep planes flying and retain their air worthiness through the FAA.
In 2008, Bohmte Germany removed all traffic lights in the city and accidents dropped dramatically. Instead of relying on mechanical cues and programmed signals, people took on responsibilities at their own level. They made decisions based on their own will to stay safe and not the traffic signals. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, roundabouts have been shown to significantly decrease the number of crashes, particularly those with serious injuries. When you take responsibility for yourself and others safety you’re more careful in consequential actions. Can United States based airlines setup a more effective mechanism to better serve the industry and provide a more efficient and safer travel?
How out of touch is the FAA? Every airline is required to have two ash trays on board or the aircraft cannot take off. Even though all flights are non smoking by law, this rule is still in effect. Airlines have to keep spare ash trays on hand because they are a high theft item for the discriminating travelers who collect them. The FAA approves and maintenance and flying policies of aircraft even after engineers from the manufacturers introduce their own changes. Being on the engineering team I once had the task of implementing a Wifi sticker on each seat tray. The FAA requires every sticker placed inside the aircraft cabin to be burn certified in case of a fire. What difference could that possibly make when the cabin is engulfed in an inferno? Suffice to say, many of the draconian FAA regulations only prolong simple tasks like my example.
In college I was a screener at the Columbus Ohio airport when it only had one concourse and the TSA was years away. As security, we were required to be respectful to the customers because there were consequences if we were not. The FAA would always test us by placing objects on the conveyor belt to test our ability to detect contraband and weapons. The objects they passed through were always the same five things. Once we recognized everything they tested on us, There was no way we could fail. The favorite of mine was the baby doll with the clock in the belly. One day I caught a passenger who concealed a hand gun in his carry on bag by placing it through the scanner standing up. I reran it through, saw the weapon and shut down the concourse. The man was arrested and went to trial later, My reward from the FAA was a twenty-five dollar check which was the same we were paid for the tests we passed as screeners. How is that for fair and equitable?
Every pilot wants to fly and land safely to their destinations. Believe me when I say safety is always number one in the airline industry. Sure a lot of mistakes are made simply because Humans are working there. They happen whether the FAA is there or not. Your typical airline is a logistical nightmare that operates 24/7 with pilots, crews, maintenance, planning, support, parts and all are daunting tasks. Managers have a knack for overcoming issues and finding solutions to their problems day after day. In my opinion, a private or corporate industry based solution could replace an inefficient government controlled FAA.
Author Kevin L White is a 30 year retired Air force veteran. He is currently a government contractor on the Air forces newest tanker platform: The KC-46. He mentors youth on career options and encourages development paths to success. Kevin currently lives in Dayton Ohio with his wife Carolyn.
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