Increased safety measures proposed
November 5, 2010, 12:28 pm
All modes of transportation are continually striding towards making travel safer. The Federal Aviation Administration is proposing that commercial airlines to install safety management systems.
SMS allow operators to see trends that may indicate a potential accident. FAA Administrator Randy Babbitt says implementing such a system will help make flying more safe.
"We need a holistic approach to safety that allows us to spot trends in aviation and make necessary changes to help avoid incidents and accidents," says Babbitt. "Safety management systems are a critical piece of a successful safety culture."
While it is estimated that up-front costs for U.S. air carriers could be $390 million, the potential benefits are $470 million, according to the FAA.
Despite the potential safety benefits of such systems, their implementation may face some objections. The Wall Street Journal discusses a report which asserted that too much cockpit technology may be hindering pilots' ability to think and handle situations on their own. Those against such electronic aids assert pilots are too reliant on technology to help them make decisions.
Are you covered? Are you overpaying? Find out! Get a Quote Now!
|