How Safe is Safety-part 2: What about Regulatory Issues?

Jet aircraft have been around for a long time. While there has been an overall decrease in accidents in the United States in the past five years, a few accidents or incidents are bound to occur (Schlamm, 2007). Humans will always be in charge of the aircraft they create no matter how big or small they are. Recently as early as April, countless flights have been canceled due to MD 80s suddenly needing inspections as required by the Federal Aviation Administration. "Cozy relationships between the airlines and the Federal Aviation Administration are to blame for the flight cancellations to do maintenance, according to Tilmon." (Cross and Tripp, 2008, para 8). I for one don't completely understand how the FAA and the airliners could let this happen. Did they just start slacking off inspections? "This marks the third straight day of mass groundings at American, the nation's largest carrier. It has scrubbed more than 2,400 flights since Tuesday"(Cross and Tripp, 2008, para 16). Despite having found three or four different articles and a couple videos via google about these flight cancellations, I found no evidence of them being fined-these topics are all over the internet. In some sources they even blame the threats of large million dollar fines for show. What kind of way to standardize and enforce safety regulations is that, if it's true? This same blog recently mentioned reveals an incredibly wide range of reactions to what's going on.

If American Airlines failed to complete their inspections (slapped on the wrist or not), risk would have been much greater. In April, many travellers ended up being stranded, seriously delayed and unpleased with American Airlines. While they waited, no matter how upset, American Airlines was working as best as they could to make sure their aircraft were safe for them. This particular article provided doesn't say if the airlines was fined, but whatever the case, they're still running and now that it is half way through April, I expect things should resume as normal. Next time around, I'm certain that no matter 'what's going on', American Airlines will continue to adhere to and improve their safety standards thus allowing their jet aircraft to continue to be reliable.

Regardless of this recent error made, aircraft design and technology is still developing and continuing to be improved, making aircraft far more reliable than they used to be in the 1950's or so. I strongly believe it is valid to claim that the creation of these aircraft have been a brilliant thing and will not be put to shame. Therefore, Airlines like American will do everything they can no matter what issues they face to make sure their aircraft meet the proper safety standards. It will further be proven and emphasized that it's how we manage and maintain them that make jets safe. South West Airlines have also recently missed their inspection deadlines. But, despite the fine threats, no real problems with their aircraft have been heard of yet. If the airlines can put their act together and work to live up to their standards, the airlines' aircraft will certainly remain relatively safe.