#FAA warning system

[gwydionmisha]

Air traffic controller’s union says staffing levels are critically low

Remember how Reagan fired the experienced air traffic controllers and hired inexperienced scabs to take over and the rate of plane crashes went up? Yeah.

[tomorrowusa]

Trump's response to the air disaster over the Potomac River which he indirectly contributed to is typical. He evades responsibility while spewing outright lies to distract attention.

Trump’s Racist Rants Conceal the Right’s Air Safety Failures

The number of air traffic controllers declined in each year of Trump’s first presidency. Then Trump plunged air traffic controllers (and other federal workers) into uncertainty during the 2018–19 government shutdown, which forced controllers to work without pay—a major blow to their already battered morale. That shutdown only ended, it should be remembered, when enough New York area controllers called in sick to ground flights on the East Coast. The Biden years saw a slow rebuild of controller ranks. But warning signs of a systemic crisis were growing. Training of new controllers was disrupted by the Covid pandemic, and staffing shortages continued. A spate of near-misses led the FAA to convene a unusual “safety summit” on March 23, 2023, to discuss solutions, and the office of Department of Transportation Inspector General Eric J. Soskin completed a 2023 audit that found that 20 of the FAA most critical facilities 26 (77 percent) were below the 85 percent minimum staffing levels and supervisors were mandating overtime and six-day work weeks to cover staff shortages. Biden’s FAA hired 1,811 controllers in 2024, and his 2025 budget sought funding to hire 2,000 more. Trump’s return to the presidency has already been a setback for air safety. He fired DOT Inspector General Soskin, who illuminated the extent of the FAA’s staffing problems. Trump’s White House alter ego Elon Musk succeeded in driving Biden’s FAA administrator, Mike Whitaker, from office even before Trump was sworn in, because Whitaker’s FAA had the temerity to fine SpaceX for safety violations. Musk even went so far as to claim that “humanity will forever be confined to Earth unless there is radical reform at the FAA!” That Trump’s FAA intends radical changes seems clear. Astonishingly, his letter encouraging federal workers to resign their positions and find private sector jobs went to air traffic controllers despite the continued staffing crisis at the nation’s airports. [ ... ] Trump’s “deep state” conspiracy theories and obsession with DEI are doing far graver harm, reducing the right’s anti-government discourse to authoritarian theater and farce. Make no mistake, these recent events are a harbinger of what is to come. Trump’s effort to deflect attention to DEI should not avert our eyes from the larger collision that threatens the very functioning of our government unless we make a course correction.

If you can avoid flying during the next few years, please wait.

A reminder of the true DEI...

^^^ Copy and use frequently!

[dertaglichedan]

The midair collision between an American Airlines passenger jet and an Army Blackhawk helicopter over the nation’s capital was preceded by months of harrowing near misses at airports across America, as well as increasingly shrill warnings that the nation’s air traffic control and safety system is stretched to the limit.

Just 14 months before Wednesday night’s fatal mishap near Ronald Reagan National Airport, the Federal Aviation Administration received a safety expert report that warned America’s air traffic control system is suffering from quality control issues and staffing shortages that put safety at risk.

That report warned that “challenges, in the areas of process integrity, staffing, and facilities, equipment, and technology, all have ties to inadequate, inconsistent funding. Together, these challenges contribute to increased safety risk and should be regarded as incident precursor."

The November 2023 report also warned that personnel shortages among air traffic controllers were forcing people to work longer hours and make sudden last-minute changes to flight plans that increased risks.

“Overtime is at a historically high level and increasing,” the report warned. “High rates of overtime for extended periods introduces risk into the NAS. Several associated issues include absenteeism, lower productivity and fatigue.

[beardedmrbean]

A 2-year-old boy vanished from his mom’s sight at Newark Liberty International Airport and was swept away on a baggage conveyor belt in a scary trip, adding to the list of troubling incidents that have plagued the travel hub.

The Staten Island toddler climbed onto the ankle-high conveyor belt where passengers drop off their luggage before takeoff, while his mother was busy rebooking a flight with a JetBlue employee in Terminal A last Wednesday, Pix 11 reported.

The child rode on the belt, which carried him away and dropped him down a chute into the luggage screening area on the lower level of the terminal.

A pair of nearby Port Authority officers heard what happened and leaped into action to track the toddler down, Port Authority Police PBA president Frank Conti told Pix 11.

“The two cops were able to move fast into the system, which was vital,” Conti told the news station. “There was a split in the belts. One officer went toward one direction, one toward the other direction.”

One of the cops found the toddler — unharmed — near an X-ray machine and scooped him up before he went into it.

While the child was brought to safety and flew to Tampa, Florida, with his family for vacation after the hair-raising ordeal, most news coming out of the beleaguered airport in recent months has not had a happy ending. 

Newark Airport has been described as a “delay-plagued hellhole” for a slew of problems, including unprecedented backups on the tarmac, a glut of cancellations, the possible spread of an infectious disease, ongoing construction, FAA controllers walking off the job and terrifying blackouts of its control towers. 

The situation at the travel hub got so bad that one federal air safety employee warned the public not to fly out of the embattled airport, warning that it’s “not safe.”

And on April 28, air traffic controllers were left without radar and communications for 90 horrifying seconds, resulting in a domino effect that delayed thousands of flights. At least five air traffic controllers took a 45-day trauma leave because the scare rattled them so much. A similar blackout occurred in November last year. 

Two weeks ago, New Jersey health officials sounded the alarm about a potential measles outbreak when an infected individual traveled through the airport’s Terminal B. 

Even the solutions offered up for the airport’s chaos come with a new set of headaches.

Experts suggested slashing daily flights — limiting options for travelers — as soon as possible, since the airport can’t handle the volume. 

“I don’t see a near-term immediate everything-gets-better [solution],” ex-Federal Aviation Administration Safety Team member Kyle Bailey told The Post. “They simply need to permanently reduce daily flights into the airport, permanently combined with using bigger planes.”

“So there is not a silver bullet,” he added.

[argumate]

It is also worth noting that technological improvements in the decades since the crash have made it much easier for pilots to determine which engine is malfunctioning, should a malfunction occur. Most modern aircraft are now equipped with an Engine Indication and Crew Alerting System, or EICAS, which provides more detailed information about engine operations and can provide the pilots with explicit warning messages that greatly assist in identifying which engine has a problem.

And yet, despite this fact, the Boeing 737 still does not come with an EICAS. 737s are rolling off the assembly line at this very moment without the system. This is because adding an EICAS would disrupt the continuity between the various 737 models, forcing pilots to receive separate type ratings for 737s with EICAS and those without. This feature of the 737 series is so fundamental that when a rule requiring EICAS on new models certified in the US came into effect at the end of 2022, Boeing and 737 operators lobbied Congress to grant an exemption, allowing the FAA to finish certifying the new 737 MAX 10 and MAX 7 without an EICAS. The pressure was immense: after all, major airlines didn’t want to buy the MAX 10 and MAX 7 if their pilots would have to acquire a new type rating to fly them, and if the airlines weren’t going to buy the models, then Boeing wasn’t going to build them, resulting in job losses and a shortage of narrow body airliners on the market. As a result, in the immediate future, 737s will continue to fly around the world without the benefit of EICAS, even though nearly every other modern airliner now has the system.

*shaking fist* Boeing you son of a bitch!!!

[the-eternal-quest-for-balance]

So, do you think your Government has been putting money where lives and safety are at stake ???? They haven't been. All the while laundering money through Ukraine and NGO's contributing to illegal immigration.

The only thing that the Government cares about is YOUR money. Otherwise they simply hate you.

[redbeardace]

One of y'all couldn't have warned them not to buy from Ea Nasir Aerospace Systems?

[posttexasstressdisorder]

CNN 3/29/2025

Collision warning sounds in cockpit of Delta plane due to close call with Air Force jet near Reagan National Airport

By Alexandra Skores and Aaron Cooper, CNN

Updated: 12:17 AM EDT, Sat March 29, 2025

Source: CNN

A close call between a Delta Air Lines Airbus A319 taking off from Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport and a US Air Force T-38 jet, often used by the military for training, sounded alarms in the cockpit of the passenger plane Friday.

Delta 2983 was departing Reagan Airport around 3:15 p.m. and heading to Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport for a regularly scheduled flight.

Delta did not identify the other jet involved, but a review of tracking data from FlightRadar24 shows an Air Force T-38 jet flying past the Delta plane and DCA airport going more than 350 miles per hour at 800 feet. The military jet took off and landed at Langley Air Force Base, in Hampton, Virginia.

CNN has asked the Air Force for comment.

The Delta aircraft was cleared for takeoff at around 3:15 p.m. ET, while four U.S. Air Force T-38 Talons were inbound to Arlington National Cemetery for a flyover, the FAA said in a statement.

The Delta aircraft received an onboard alert that another aircraft was nearby and air traffic controllers issued corrective instructions to both aircraft, the FAA reported.

The FAA will investigate the incident.

The close call happened just south of DCA airport, close to the spot where an American Airlines regional jet and an Army Black Hawk helicopter collided, killing 67 people, on January 29.

At a congressional hearing on Thursday Senators demanded to know why close calls between military helicopters and passenger planes went unchecked for so long at DCA.

The NTSB said investigators uncovered more than 15,000 occurrences for close proximity events between commercial airplanes and helicopters between 2021 and 2024 where aircraft were within one nautical mile and 85 cases where two aircraft were separated by only 1,500 feet vertically and 200 feet laterally.

The FAA has since closed a helicopter route by the airport and Thursday vowed to required military aircraft near DCA to fly with specific collision avoidance equipment turned on.

But that wasn’t enough to prevent today’s close call as the Delta plane was taking off.

“On that departure … was there an actual aircraft about 500 ft below us as we came off of DCA,” the Delta pilot asked air traffic controllers on audio captured by website LiveATC.net.

“Delta 2983, affirmative,” the Departure controller responds.

The pilot also noted they received a warning in the cockpit, called a “resolution advisory” from the plane’s Traffic Alert and Collision Avoidance System. The system tells a pilot what to do to avoid a collision.

“Nothing is more important than the safety of our customers and people,” said Morgan Durrant, a spokesperson for Delta Air Lines. “That’s why the flight crew followed procedures to maneuver the aircraft as instructed.”

Two pilots, three flight attendants and 131 passengers were on board the Delta aircraft.

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[newstfionline]

Sunday, May 18, 2025

The Mess at Airports Is Part of a Larger Pattern (The Atlantic) On this much, there is bipartisan agreement: The Federal Aviation Administration is in a bad mess. After years of exceptional safety, the U.S. air-travel system has recently been beset with near misses and, in one horrifying case, a collision. Air-traffic-control towers are badly understaffed, and controllers have now twice lost—for about 90 seconds and 30 to 90 seconds, respectively—the ability to track flights coming in and out of Newark. Lots of people saw it coming. Regulators, pilots, controllers, airline executives, and outside observers all warned for years that the system was falling behind and running on outdated technology. Yet successive presidential administrations and Congresses didn’t act. The pattern of neglect observed at the FAA can be seen across the federal government. Other physical infrastructure, including bridges, dams, power lines, and highways, are in a serious state of decay.

Supreme Court rejects Trump bid to resume quick deportations of Venezuelans under 18th-century law (AP) The Supreme Court on Friday barred the Trump administration from quickly resuming deportations of Venezuelans under an 18th-century wartime law enacted when the nation was just a few years old. Over two dissenting votes, the justices acted on an emergency appeal from lawyers for Venezuelan men who have been accused of being gang members, a designation that the administration says makes them eligible for rapid removal from the United States under the Alien Enemies Act of 1798. The high court action is the latest in a string of judicial setbacks for the Trump administration’s effort to speed deportations of people in the country illegally. The president and his supporters have complained about having to provide due process for people they contend didn’t follow U.S. immigration laws.

At least 21 people dead and widespread damage in the wake of severe Midwest storms (CNN) A violent, tornado-spawning storm system tore across the central US, leaving at least 21 people dead in Missouri and southeastern Kentucky as it cut a path of destruction across several states. The 14 deaths in Kentucky come on the heels of fatalities reported hours earlier on Friday in the St. Louis area, which saw widespread destruction. Seven people were reported dead in Missouri. In all, large tornadoes have been reported in Missouri, Kentucky, Illinois and Indiana. The storms damaged homes and downed power lines across the Midwest and Great Lakes, leaving more than 700,000 homes and businesses across a dozen states without power.

Brazil has a scorpion problem (The Week) Scorpions are “taking over” Brazil’s cities, scientists have warned. And with these infestations comes a huge rise in stinging incidents, some of them fatal, and often caused by Brazilian yellow scorpions, known for their extremely toxic venom. More than 1.1 million scorpion stings were reported in Brazil between 2014 and 2023: with a 155% rise in reports over that period, according to a study published in Frontiers in Public Health. The surge in numbers is “driven by rapid, unplanned urbanisation”, said The Guardian. The sprawl of “high-density housing” encroaches on scorpions’ natural habitats in the wild, and “poor waste disposal” creates new environments where they can “thrive”. This “rampant urbanisation” also “scares away scorpions’ natural predators, such as lizards and birds”, and “boosts the number of available cockroaches”, which make “tasty meals” for the arachnids, said Phys.org. As a result, scorpions have become “the most lethal venomous animal” in Brazil, with 152 deaths from scorpion stings last year, compared to 140 deaths from snake bites.

Britain’s police are restricting speech in worrying ways (Economist) The police arrived at Maxie Allen’s door at midday on January 29th. None of the six officers seemed to know much about why they were there, recalls Mr Allen. But they read out a list of charges and searched the house, before arresting him and his partner and taking them to the police station, where they were held for eight hours. The couple’s alleged crime? Disparaging emails and WhatsApp messages about their daughter’s primary school. Free speech in Britain has been put under the spotlight. J.D. Vance, America’s vice-president, frequently cites cases involving religious activists. Elon Musk, a tech mogul, has claimed that thousands are being locked up for social-media posts. It would be nice if Brits could simply dismiss such attacks as ill-informed and staggeringly hypocritical from an administration that now strives to stifle dissent. Yet the Americans are right in one crucial respect: Britain does have a serious problem. Speech is being restricted, particularly online, in alarming ways and at an increasingly alarming rate. The number of arrests—more than a thousand a month for online posts—shows this is no longer about a few rogue cases. The root cause can be found in the country’s speech laws, which are a mess and ill-suited to the digital age: Brits are prosecuted for the sorts of conversations they would have had in the pub. Many who are arrested have simply said something that someone else considers offensive. Of all the recent cases, it is Mr Allen’s that best captures the careless erosion of a crucial liberty. At one point during his questioning, Mr Allen’s partner asked for an example of a WhatsApp message that constituted “malicious communication”. The detective had to stop and Google the crime.

In Spain, a homelessness crisis unfolds in Madrid’s airport (AP) Every morning at 6 a.m., Teresa sets out in search of work, a shower and a bit of exercise before she returns home. For around six months, that has been Terminal 4 of Madrid’s international airport. Teresa, 54, who didn’t want her full name to be used because of safety concerns, is one of the estimated hundreds of homeless people sleeping in the Spanish capital’s airport amid a growing housing crisis in Spain, where rental costs have risen especially fast in cities like Madrid, the country’s capital, and Barcelona. She and others sleeping at Adolfo Suárez Madrid-Barajas Airport—the third-busiest airport in Europe in 2023, according to Eurostat—described a situation where for months, authorities have neither helped them find other living arrangements nor have they kicked them out from the corners of the airport that they have occupied with sleeping bags unfurled on the floor as well as blankets, shopping carts and bags.

As political theater took center stage in Turkey, the war went on in Ukraine (AP) Since U.S.-brokered talks began in March, Ukraine’s strategy has been to convince the Trump administration that Vladimir Putin is unreliable, and that Kyiv is serious about peace. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has few options, analysts and officials say, but to draw U.S. President Donald Trump’s ire against Putin while depending on the united and stalwart support of European allies. But the political theatrics are underscored by stark realities on the ground. In this war of attrition against Russia’s invasion, Ukraine’s position is poised to grow weaker as time goes on, unless powerful sanctions are imposed against Moscow and the U.S. continues arms deliveries. For Ukrainian soldiers fighting along the 1,000-kilometer (600-mile) front line, the theatricality of the week’s political developments stood in harsh contrast with the grinding war. “Better to call it a circus,” said a Ukrainian drone operator.

Fighting India Helps Revive the Pakistani Military’s Popularity (NYT) Pakistan has been mired for years in overlapping political, economic and security crises. But right now, it is feeling like a winner. Its government has declared victory in Pakistan’s most expansive military clash with India in more than 50 years. Political parties and ordinary Pakistanis have staged rallies to celebrate the armed forces’ performance. In analysts’ eyes, the four-day fight was closer to a draw. Pakistan suffered some blows it cannot hide. But by holding its own against its more powerful neighbor, it has for now pushed its dire problems into the background. A renewed, if fragile, public confidence in the state and in the military, Pakistan’s most dominant institution, has begun to emerge. “It feels like we’ve won something. We’re not a failed state,” said Hafeez Siddiqui, a bank accountant in Karachi, the country’s largest city.

Indians urge Turkey boycott amid regional tensions (BBC) What began as public calls to boycott travel to Turkey has now escalated into a broader rupture, with India severing links with Turkish businesses and universities. On Thursday India barred Turkish firm Celebi from operating at its airports, citing national security concerns—an allegation the company denies. Several Indian universities—including Jawaharlal Nehru University, Jamia Millia Islamia, and Maulana Azad National Urdu University- have also suspended academic ties with Turkish institutions. Deadly fighting broke out between India and Pakistan last week after Delhi launched airstrikes on its neighbour, saying it was in response to the deadly Pahalgam attack in Indian-administered Kashmir. Pakistan has denied any involvement in the incident. Turkey and Azerbaijan were quick to back Pakistan after India’s military action—Ankara warned of “all-out war”, while Baku condemned Delhi’s strikes. The fallout sparked a wave of backlash, with boycott calls against Turkey—and Azerbaijan—gaining traction on social media and being echoed by senior political leaders. The boycott gained momentum after reports emerged of Turkish drones being used by Pakistan against India.

From guns to gardens: Former gangsters fight hunger in Kenya (AP) Joseph Kariaga and his friends once lived the “gangster life” in Nairobi’s Mathare slum, snatching phones, mugging people and battling police. But when Kariaga’s brother was shot dead by police, the young men took stock. “We said, ‘We cannot live like this. We are going to lose our lives.’ Many of our friends had died,” said Kariaga, now 27. “I reflected on my life. I had to change.” Now the men are farmers with a social mission. Nearly a dozen of them founded Vision Bearerz in 2017 to steer youth away from crime and address food insecurity in one of Kenya’s poorest communities. Despite challenges, Vision Bearerz makes a modest but meaningful community impact, including feeding over 150 children at lunches each week. Some residents praise the group and call the men role models. Kariaga still feels the pain of his brother’s death, but is proud of his new job. “Farming can change the world,” he said.

In Big Cities, Peace and Quiet Is Becoming a Perk Worth Paying For (Bloomberg) If Yu Kusuda hadn’t met his neighbors, he might not know they were there. The 71-year-old singer-songwriter, who also works as a human resources consultant, lives in an 86-square-meter (283-square-foot) apartment in Tokyo, marketed by its developer Livlan as soundproof. For five years, Kusuda has been hosting online seminars at home, blasting movies at full volume, and playing electric guitar. No one complains, and neither does he. “I have never heard any sound from my neighbors,” Kusuda says. Livlan started exploring soundproof apartments in 1987, and there’s now a waiting list of 6,000, despite higher than average rent. Neighbor noise is a common problem in Japan, where a government survey shows it accounts for 43% of all neighbor complaints at apartments. Chris Berdik, author of Clamor: How Noise Took Over the World and How We Can Take It Back (W.W. Norton, May 25), says there’s been “a massive increase in people’s desire for quiet,” pointing to silent airports and the rise of quiet travel. As the world grows noisier, and digital distractions proliferate, our brains burn energy sorting through various signals to find what matters, he adds. The global market for noise-canceling headphones is projected to reach $41 billion by 2031, according to KBV Research, up from $15.9 billion in 2023.

[marta-bee]

News of the Day 3/12/25: Elon, Inc.

Take that, paywall.

The US Stock market took quite a beating (X) when Trump went forward with his tariffs and refusing to rule out a recession. Tesla stocks in particular did a nosedive (X) reminiscent of Elwing trying to get the heck out of Sirion, and though both have rallied a little, it's still been a tough few days if you've got money. Probably that explains Trump doing his best impression of a bad Tesla infomercial on the White House south lawn. It's also not been the best week for those people who value the dignity of the office.

Other recent … let’s just say questionable conflations of Musk’s business interests with the federal government:

Whistleblower: Trump admin is still trying to dismantle the CPFB. (X) 

Big banks want the CPFB to survive to fight against non-bank financial services. (X) You know, like Musk plans to do with his “X Money” project.

The GSA and other federal agencies are exploring using Musk’s Starlink company for internet and technology services. (X)

Musk is also trying to muscle Verizon out of an already-awarded contract to upgrade the FAA’s systems. (X) (The FAA runs air-traffic control and other air safety processes.)

Trump admin rewrites rules for a Biden-era internet access program that would benefit Musk's Starlink company. (X)

Tesla in particular has been the target of protests, and the news media has felt the need to condemn them the way rioting and looting always gets used to tamp down on popular support of peaceful protests after (say) police violence against black people. I’d really rather people not because the best weapon we have against Musk and Trump right now is public sympathy and as I said, white people have a long history of being turned off by this kind of thing. But still, actual peoples’ lives upended beats out property damage any day of the week for me.

Tesla faces vandalism and protests amidst backlash against Elon Musk. (X)

Molotov cocktails, arson and graffiti: Tesla facilities attacked in wake of Elon Musk's role in the White House. (X)

Trump pledges to prosecute people vandalizing Tesla facilities as terrorists (X) and says anti-Tesla protesters will go through hell.

Elon Musk claims anti-Tesla protests are being astroturfed by Democratic megadonors George Soros and Reid Hoffman. (X)

US House speaker says Congress to investigate attacks against Tesla owners, vehicles. (X)

The really interesting and terrifying thing to me is how thoroughly they’re conflating attacks on a private business with a well-connected owner, with an actual attack on America. Again: the vandals etc. shouldn’t do it. They should be investigated and prosecuted by the police for committing whatever crime we can prove they did. But at some point… honestly, come on.

Finally, some more miscellaneous recent Musk shenanigans, not directly related to his businesses but still worth keeping an eye on:

He wants to privatize the post office. (X)

He’s also going after Social Security in a big way. After decrying it as a Ponzi scheme (it’s not) (X) and pointing to obvious “fraud” (X) that really shows he doesn’t understand how the program works, he’s now accusing Democrats of using it to lure undocumented immigrants to America so they can vote illegally for Dems, never mind the fact that a) undocumented immigrants can’t receive Social Security, though they pay into it, or b) vote. 

US marshals warn judges about death threats after Musk's online attacks. (X)

[queeringhope]

Republicans: Promising to serve and protect … until it comes to do either one.

[hasufin]

Charles Stross referred to it as "Disaster Dominoes". Is operator error real? Yes. But a well-designed system should be resilient such that a singular operator error should generate sufficient warning to correct the error; it should not result in catastrophic failure.

Let's look at Alaska Airlines Flight 261.

Okay, so this was 25 years ago. While in flight, the MD-83 craft "suffered a catastrophic loss of pitch control". That is, suddenly the plane's nose went DOWN. Initially the stabilizer was jammed such that they had to pull up on the yoke constantly; upon successfully unsticking it, the plane went into a nosedive. They were able to mostly recover, but then experienced a further catastrophic failure which at one point resulted in them flying the commercial airliner upside down, before finally crashing.

Now, to be clear: this was not pilot error. The pilot and co-pilot did a heroic job trying to keep the plane in the air while it was experiencing severe mechanical failure. But there was a series of failures:

Out of concern for "flow" - that is, the profitable operation of the airlines - they didn't want to gum up the works with a plane turning back to LAX. I don't believe there's any certainty that returning to LAX immediately would have saved the flight, but it's worth considering, in that capitalism does apparently result in unsafe choices.

The basic design of the plane didn't have sufficient redundancy: the jackscrew assembly which controlled the horizontal flight stabilizer had two separate sets of threads, and that was considered sufficient, but in fact it still functioned as a single point of failure.

The assembly was not properly lubricated.

The assembly was not properly inspected, and they used the wrong tools to perform the inspection.

The intervals between both maintenance and inspection were extended much too long.

The FAA allowed all of these things.

The thing about this is, there were failures at every step which allowed the disaster to happen. Each mistake was supposed to have a corresponding test which would have caught it, but each of those were also wrong.

Now, it's good that the NTSB investigation uncovered these things. And that's why we need a strong, independent government which keeps companies in check.

I think too, we can guess the order in which these things happened. McDonnell-Douglas would not have designed an aircraft with insufficient redundancy if the FAA had engineers who would have caught it. Alaska Airlines would not have fabricated incorrect testing tools if there had been better oversight of the testing process. The interval between maintenances and inspections were increased when the allowed time periods were increased. They didn't become slipshod about the maintenance until after the bad testing tools went into use. In each case, the relaxation of oversight came first, followed by the relaxation of practice. [Yes, this means that Trump dismantling America's safety infrastructure will result in disasters years down the road, probably not under his administration].

One major issue with safety culture is, when it is operating correctly most of it appears completely pointless: if the maintenance is happening correctly, of course the tests will always look good. If the plane is designed well, the plane will fly fine even if the tests aren't being performed correctly. In a safe environment, you can tolerate quite a few failures before disaster happens.

And to altogether too many people, redundant safety is wasted effort.

The more I read into reports about industrial and transportation accidents the less I feel like “operator error” actually exists

[dertaglichedan]

News

Transportation Secretary Unveils Overhaul of ‘Antiquated’ Air Traffic Control Systems

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a massive overhaul of the United States’ antiquated air traffic control system to modernize operations and reduce delays and inefficiencies.

“This proposal seeks to transform the United States’ air traffic control system from its antiquated system to a modern system capable of meeting the demands of today and the future,” the overview shared with The Daily Signal says. “This proposal will build a new, state of the art, air traffic control system that will enhance the safety and efficiency of our national airspace.”

The Government Accountability Office had warned former President Joe Biden and former Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg about the failing air traffic control system. GAO published a report titled “Air Traffic Control: FAA Actions Are Urgently Needed to Modernize Aging Systems” on Sept. 24, 2024, yet the Biden administration did not act.

“Look at this report,” Duffy said on Fox News. “They knew the air traffic control system was strained and still did nothing!”

The nation’s 17 air traffic control systems range from 2 years old to 50 years old, Duffy said. The secretary is working with President Donald Trump to modernize the system.

[allthenewzworld]

Federal regulators and safety officials have issued an urgent warning about certain Boeing 737 MAX airplanes equipped with CFM International LEAP-1B engines.

Following two serious incidents in 2023-one in December after takeoff from New Orleans and another in March after departing Havana-bird strikes triggered a malfunction in the engines' oil system. This led to oil entering hot engine components, producing smoke that then seeped into cockpits and passenger cabins

In the New Orleans case, the cockpit was engulfed in "acrid white smoke," rendering instrument panels nearly invisible. Both flights executed emergency landings safely, with no reported injuries 08.

The NTSB has issued an urgent safety bulletin, recommending that the FAA require modifications to stop smoke infiltration. It also urged airlines to ensure pilots recognize and respond effectively to such smoke events.

#Allthenewz #breakingnews

[advisoryoutlook]

Boeing’s Dreamliner Faces Renewed Scrutiny After Fatal Air India Crash

New Delhi / Washington, June 13, 2025 – Boeing’s long-haul flagship, the 787 Dreamliner, is once again under intense scrutiny after Air India flight AI 171 tragically crashed on Thursday, marking the first-ever fatal accident involving the 787-8 model since its commercial debut in 2011.

The aircraft, over 11 years old with more than 41,000 flight hours and nearly 8,000 completed cycles, went down in what has become the third fatal Boeing plane crash globally in the last seven years. The crash has reignited safety concerns tied to the Dreamliner’s history of technical flaws, whistleblower allegations, and regulatory investigations.

Following the incident, Boeing’s shares dropped nearly 8% in pre-market trading on the New York Stock Exchange, highlighting investor anxiety over the company’s troubled safety track record.

A History of Red Flags

The Dreamliner has faced significant technical issues since inception. In 2013, the entire global fleet was grounded after battery fires broke out on two separate 787s—one on the tarmac in Boston and another mid-air over Japan. Boeing had to redesign the lithium-ion battery system before the aircraft was cleared to fly again.

More recently, in March 2024, a Boeing 787-9 operated by LATAM Airlines suffered a sudden in-flight nosedive, injuring 50 passengers. Investigations traced the incident to a faulty cockpit seat mechanism.

The current crash adds to growing industry concerns over Boeing’s manufacturing practices. The U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has maintained close oversight of the company, particularly following two catastrophic 737 Max crashes in 2018 and 2019 and a mid-air door plug blowout on an Alaska Airlines Max jet in early 2024.

Whistleblower Warnings Ignored?

Internal whistleblowers have raised red flags about Dreamliner production. Boeing engineer Sam Salehpour alleged that some fuselage sections on the 787s were improperly joined, leaving “tiny gaps” that could compromise the aircraft’s structural integrity and reduce its lifespan. He further revealed that factory workers at times jumped on components to force them into alignment, a method he called “dangerous and unprofessional.”

John Barnett, a former Boeing quality manager at the company’s Charleston, South Carolina plant, also made serious allegations about substandard parts being installed on early-model Dreamliners—including those delivered to Air India, which became the first airline to operate the Charleston-built jets in 2012.

These accusations prompted the FAA to halt Dreamliner deliveries from 2021 to 2023 while conducting extensive reviews of Boeing’s production practices. Although deliveries have since resumed with updated inspection protocols, Salehpour’s legal team insists that the fuselage issues remain unresolved.

India’s Growing Ties with Boeing

Despite the mounting safety concerns, Indian carriers continue to place significant trust—and orders—with Boeing. Air India currently operates 34 Dreamliners and has another 44 aircraft either on order or under negotiation. Akasa Air, another Indian carrier, has also placed large orders with Boeing. Meanwhile, IndiGo, which primarily flies Airbus aircraft, has supplemented its fleet with two leased Boeing 777s and one 787.

IndiGo is currently operating one of the youngest airline fleets in the world, with an average aircraft age of just four years.

Boeing Responds

In a brief statement following Thursday’s crash, Boeing said, “We are in close contact with Air India and stand ready to provide full support.” The company did not comment further on the implications of the crash for its ongoing production or delivery schedules.

As investigations into the cause of the AI 171 crash begin, aviation experts warn that Boeing’s reputation is once again at a crossroads. With safety under the global spotlight and a growing number of carriers dependent on its aircraft, the company may soon face renewed regulatory and commercial pressure to overhaul its production standards.

[semiconductorlogs]

Solar Obstruction Light Market to Reach $234 Million by 2032 at 5.9% CAGR

MARKET INSIGHTS

The global Solar Obstruction Light Market size was valued at US$ 156 million in 2024 and is projected to reach US$ 234 million by 2032, at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period 2025-2032.

Solar obstruction lights are specialized aviation safety devices designed to warn pilots of potential obstacles such as tall structures, wind turbines, and communication towers. These lights operate using solar power, making them energy-efficient and environmentally friendly solutions for hazard marking. The product range includes low-intensity, medium-intensity, and high-intensity variants, each meeting specific regulatory requirements for different structure heights and aviation zones.

The market growth is driven by increasing infrastructure development, stringent aviation safety regulations, and global shifts toward renewable energy solutions. Government initiatives like China’s Renewable Energy Law and the European Union’s Net-Zero Industry Act are accelerating adoption. Key players such as ADB Safegate, Flash Technology, and Topsun Lite are expanding their product portfolios to include advanced LED-based solar obstruction lights with smart monitoring capabilities, further fueling market expansion.

MARKET DYNAMICS

MARKET DRIVERS

Global Expansion of Air Travel Infrastructure Accelerating Market Demand

The aviation sector’s rapid expansion is creating substantial demand for solar obstruction lights, with the global aircraft movements increasing by approximately 15% annually in major airports. This growth is driven by rising passenger traffic and cargo operations, necessitating enhanced airfield lighting solutions. Solar-powered obstruction lights offer airports significant operational advantages, including reduced wiring complexity and lower energy costs. Major aviation hubs are now mandating reliable obstruction lighting systems as part of their safety protocols, with installations growing at a compound annual growth rate of 8-12% across developing nations. The FAA’s updated Advisory Circular 70/7460-1L further emphasizes the importance of obstruction lighting compliance, driving modernization projects worldwide.

Stringent Government Regulations for Aviation and Construction Safety

Regulatory frameworks governing aviation and urban construction continue to evolve, with over 60 countries now implementing strict obstruction lighting mandates for structures exceeding 45 meters in height. These regulations are becoming increasingly detailed, specifying light intensity levels, flash patterns, and system redundancies based on structure height and location. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) recently updated Annex 14 standards, requiring solar obstruction lights to maintain 72 hours of backup power – a specification directly benefiting advanced solar lighting solutions. Construction booms in emerging economies are further amplifying this demand, with Southeast Asia alone witnessing a 22% year-over-year increase in tall structure approvals requiring obstruction lighting systems.

Advancements in Photovoltaic Technology Enhancing Product Viability

Recent breakthroughs in solar panel efficiency, now exceeding 23% for commercial modules, have significantly improved the performance metrics of solar obstruction lights. New-generation lithium iron phosphate (LiFePO4) batteries provide up to 5,000 charge cycles, ensuring reliable operation in extreme weather conditions ranging from -40°C to 85°C. Manufacturers are integrating smart monitoring systems with 4G connectivity, enabling real-time performance tracking and predictive maintenance. These technological improvements have reduced total cost of ownership by approximately 30% compared to traditional grid-powered systems, making solar obstruction lights the preferred choice for remote installations where grid access is challenging or costly.

MARKET RESTRAINTS

High Initial Investment Costs Limiting Adoption in Developing Regions

While solar obstruction lights offer long-term economic benefits, their premium pricing – typically 40-60% higher than conventional systems – presents a significant adoption barrier in price-sensitive markets. Complete solar lighting systems for tall structures often exceed $5,000 per unit, including installation costs. This pricing dynamic is particularly challenging in regions with limited infrastructure budgets, where decision-makers frequently opt for lower-cost wired alternatives despite their higher operational expenses. Currency fluctuations and import duties further exacerbate this issue in developing nations, where local manufacturing capabilities for high-quality solar components remain limited. The payback period of 3-5 years, while reasonable in developed markets, often exceeds the budget planning horizons of many municipal authorities in emerging economies.

Performance Limitations in Extreme Climate Conditions

Solar obstruction lights face inherent performance challenges in regions with prolonged periods of low sunlight or extreme weather conditions. Areas with fewer than 2,500 annual sunshine hours typically require oversizing of photovoltaic arrays by 30-50% to ensure reliable operation, significantly increasing system costs. Polar regions experience particularly acute challenges, where extended winter darkness necessitates large battery banks that may still prove insufficient. Tropical climates present different obstacles, with monsoon seasons reducing solar harvest and high humidity accelerating component degradation. These geographical limitations currently restrict market penetration in approximately 15% of potential installation locations, requiring continued technological innovation to overcome.

MARKET OPPORTUNITIES

Emerging 5G Infrastructure Deployments Creating New Installation Sites

The global rollout of 5G networks is generating thousands of new potential installation sites for solar obstruction lights, as telecommunication towers require enhanced visibility markings. Current estimates suggest over 500,000 new 5G towers will be deployed worldwide by 2026, with many in remote locations where solar power offers distinct advantages. These installations often feature unique requirements such as LED-based lighting systems with specific flash patterns distinguishable from aviation lighting. Manufacturers developing purpose-built solutions for telecom applications are capturing this high-growth vertical, with some reporting 25% of their annual revenue already coming from telecom infrastructure projects. The integration of obstruction lights directly into small cell deployments presents additional opportunities as densification continues.

Smart City Initiatives Driving Demand for Networked Lighting Solutions

Urban digital transformation programs are creating robust demand for intelligent solar obstruction lighting systems that can integrate with city management platforms. Modern systems now incorporate IoT sensors that monitor structural integrity, environmental conditions, and lighting performance while serving dual purposes as data collection nodes. Barcelona’s recent smart city upgrade included over 2,000 connected solar obstruction lights with LoRaWAN connectivity, demonstrating the scalability of such implementations. The ability to remotely adjust lighting parameters and receive predictive maintenance alerts reduces operational costs while improving safety compliance. As smart city investments exceed $200 billion globally, this convergence of safety lighting and urban digitization presents a significant growth vector for manufacturers offering integrated solutions.

MARKET CHALLENGES

Standardization and Certification Complexities Across Jurisdictions

The solar obstruction lighting market faces significant hurdles due to inconsistent certification requirements across different countries and regions. While ICAO standards provide baseline recommendations, over 40 national aviation authorities maintain their own certification protocols with varying test procedures and documentation requirements. This fragmentation forces manufacturers to maintain multiple product variants, increasing R&D costs by an estimated 20-25%. The certification process itself can take 6-12 months per market, with some jurisdictions requiring full-scale field testing under local conditions. These challenges are particularly acute for small and medium manufacturers, potentially limiting innovation and market competition as compliance becomes increasingly resource-intensive.

Supply Chain Vulnerabilities for Critical Components

Solar obstruction light manufacturers continue grappling with supply chain instability for key components, particularly high-efficiency solar panels and lithium batteries. The photovoltaic industry’s concentration in specific geographical regions creates vulnerability to trade disputes and logistical bottlenecks, with lead times for premium solar cells occasionally exceeding 6 months. Battery supply presents similar challenges, as aviation-grade lithium solutions require specialized certifications and manufacturing processes. These supply constraints have led to project delays of 3-6 months in some cases, forcing manufacturers to maintain higher inventory levels that tie up working capital. The situation is further complicated by fluctuating raw material costs, with lithium carbonate prices experiencing 300% volatility in recent years.

SOLAR OBSTRUCTION LIGHT MARKET TRENDS

Renewable Energy Policies Driving Adoption of Solar Obstruction Lights

The global push toward renewable energy is significantly accelerating the adoption of solar-powered obstruction lights across aviation, telecommunications, and construction sectors. Governments worldwide are implementing stringent policies to reduce carbon emissions, with China’s Renewable Energy Law and the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act mandating greater reliance on clean energy solutions. Recent data indicates that the solar obstruction light market, valued at $129.6 million in 2024, is projected to grow at a 5.8% CAGR through 2032. This growth is further propelled by mandates such as Japan’s requirement for solar panels on new Tokyo residences by 2025, which indirectly boosts demand for auxiliary solar lighting systems.

Other Trends

Shift Toward LED-Hybrid Systems

Manufacturers are increasingly integrating LED technology with solar obstruction lights to enhance efficiency and longevity. These hybrid systems offer 30-40% higher luminosity compared to traditional models while reducing maintenance costs by up to 60%. The aviation sector, which accounts for nearly 45% of total market demand, particularly benefits from these advancements as airlines seek compliant yet energy-efficient solutions for runway and tower safety.

Smart Monitoring and IoT Integration

Real-time performance tracking through IoT-enabled solar obstruction lights is emerging as a game-changer. Modern systems now feature automated fault detection, remote brightness adjustment, and predictive maintenance alerts—capabilities that reduce outage risks by over 70% in critical installations like telecommunication towers. With 5G expansion driving tower deployments globally, the demand for intelligent solar obstruction lighting in this segment alone is expected to grow by 22% annually through 2030.

COMPETITIVE LANDSCAPE

Key Industry Players

Market Leaders Expand Solar Solutions Amid Rising Global Demand

The global solar obstruction light market features a dynamic competitive environment with established players and emerging innovators vying for market share. ADB Safegate and Flash Technology currently dominate the aviation segment, leveraging decades of experience in airfield lighting solutions. These companies are adapting their product lines to incorporate solar technology while maintaining compliance with stringent aviation safety standards.

Meanwhile, Hunan Chendong Technology Co and Guangzhou New Voyage Technology Co are gaining traction in Asia Pacific markets through competitive pricing and government-supported renewable energy initiatives. Chinese manufacturers particularly benefit from domestic policies prioritizing solar technology development, with China accounting for nearly 35% of global solar component production.

European manufacturers like Holland Aviation and P&R Tech are responding to the EU’s Net-Zero Industry Act by localizing production and developing high-efficiency solar obstruction lights for urban infrastructure projects. These companies are investing heavily in R&D to improve battery storage capacity and light output consistency – critical factors for tower and crane applications.

The market also sees growing competition from specialized providers such as Avlite-obstruction and Topsun Lite, who focus exclusively on solar-powered solutions. These niche players are driving innovation in compact designs and smart lighting controls, positioning themselves as preferred suppliers for telecommunications infrastructure projects.

List of Key Solar Obstruction Light Companies

ADB Safegate (Belgium)

Flash Technology (U.S.)

Holland Aviation (Netherlands)

Avlite-obstruction (Australia)

Flight Light (U.S.)

Geltronix (India)

Friars Airfield Solutions (U.K.)

Guangzhou New Voyage Technology Co (China)

Hunan Chendong Technology Co (China)

P&R Tech (Germany)

Topsun Lite (China)

Signallight (Italy)

Segment Analysis:

By Type

Medium-intensity Obstruction Light Dominates Due to Its Optimal Balance Between Visibility and Energy Efficiency

The market is segmented based on type into:

Low-intensity Obstruction Light

Subtypes: Steady burning, Flashing, and others

Medium-intensity Obstruction Light

Subtypes: Type A, Type B, and others

High-intensity Obstruction Light

Subtypes: Xenon strobe, LED-based, and others

By Application

Telecommunications Tower Segment Shows Strong Growth Due to Expanding 5G Infrastructure

The market is segmented based on application into:

Airport

High-rise Building

Telecommunications Tower

Crane

Others

By Installation Type

New Installations Drive Market Growth Supported by Infrastructure Development

The market is segmented based on installation type into:

New Installations

Retrofit/Replacement

By Power Source

Integrated Solar Systems Gain Preference Due to Sustainability Benefits

The market is segmented based on power source into:

Standalone Solar Systems

Integrated Solar-Wind Systems

Hybrid Solar-Grid Systems

Regional Analysis: Solar Obstruction Light Market

North America The North American solar obstruction light market is driven by stringent aviation safety regulations enforced by the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) and the increasing adoption of renewable energy solutions. The recent Inflation Reduction Act’s $369 billion commitment to clean energy initiatives is accelerating demand for sustainable aviation infrastructure solutions. The U.S. leads the regional market with extensive airport modernization projects and growing deployment of medium-intensity obstruction lights on wind turbines. Canadian markets are showing increased adoption due to stricter environmental policies and remote area applications where grid power is unavailable. However, supply chain constraints and high initial costs remain challenges for rapid market expansion.

Europe Europe’s market benefits from the European Union’s Net-Zero Industry Act and ambitious 600 GW solar capacity target by 2030. Germany and France lead in deploying solar obstruction lights across telecommunication towers and wind farms, supported by strict EU directives on aviation safety and carbon neutrality. The region shows strong preference for high-intensity LED models with backup battery systems. While the UK maintains robust demand from offshore wind projects, Eastern European countries are gradually adopting these solutions as infrastructure investment increases. The market faces price competition from Asian imports but maintains quality leadership through advanced technological solutions.

Asia-Pacific As the largest and fastest-growing market, Asia-Pacific accounted for over 45% of global solar obstruction light demand in 2024, driven by massive infrastructure development across China and India. China’s Renewable Energy Law and carbon neutrality goals have spurred installations on newly constructed high-rises and telecom towers. India’s expanding aviation sector and smart city projects create consistent demand. While low-cost solutions dominate Southeast Asian markets, Japan and South Korea prioritize technologically advanced systems with smart monitoring capabilities. The region’s growth is tempered by inconsistent regulatory enforcement and occasional quality concerns around cheaper alternatives.

South America South America represents an emerging market where adoption is primarily driven by airport expansions and mining operations in remote locations. Brazil leads regional demand with increasing investments in wind energy projects requiring obstruction lighting. Argentina shows potential growth with renewable energy initiatives, though economic instability limits large-scale deployments. The region generally favors low-to-medium intensity lights due to cost considerations, with minimal local manufacturing capacity. Regulatory frameworks for obstruction lighting are still developing, creating both challenges and opportunities for market entrants.

Middle East & Africa This region demonstrates uneven growth, with Gulf Cooperation Council countries driving most demand through massive construction projects and airport expansions. Saudi Arabia and UAE lead in adopting high-quality solar obstruction lights for skyscrapers and aviation infrastructure, often incorporating IoT connectivity. Africa’s market remains limited but shows promise in telecommunications tower applications, particularly in East Africa. Challenges include extreme environmental conditions affecting product performance and limited awareness about advanced solutions. However, increasing foreign investments in infrastructure present long-term growth opportunities for solar-powered lighting solutions.

Report Scope

This market research report provides a comprehensive analysis of the global and regional Solar Obstruction Light markets, covering the forecast period 2025–2032. It offers detailed insights into market dynamics, technological advancements, competitive landscape, and key trends shaping the industry.

Key focus areas of the report include:

Market Size & Forecast: Historical data and future projections for revenue, unit shipments, and market value across major regions and segments. The global Solar Obstruction Light market was valued at USD 215 million in 2024 and is projected to reach USD 347 million by 2032, growing at a CAGR of 6.1% during the forecast period.

Segmentation Analysis: Detailed breakdown by product type (low-intensity, medium-intensity, high-intensity), application (airports, high-rise buildings, telecom towers, cranes), and end-user industries to identify high-growth segments.

Regional Outlook: Insights into market performance across North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa, with Asia-Pacific accounting for 38% of global market share in 2024.

Competitive Landscape: Profiles of 16 leading market participants including Flight Light, ADB Safegate, and Topsun Lite, covering their product portfolios, market shares, and recent strategic developments.

Technology Trends & Innovation: Assessment of emerging technologies including smart solar lighting systems, IoT integration, and advanced battery storage solutions.

Market Drivers & Restraints: Analysis of growth drivers like renewable energy policies and urbanization, along with challenges such as high initial costs and maintenance requirements.

Stakeholder Analysis: Strategic insights for manufacturers, distributors, project developers, and policymakers regarding market opportunities and regulatory frameworks.

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