The spate of recent aviation crashes has left many wondering if the safety of air travel is still guaranteed. Despite being the preferred mode of transportation for many, the frequency of airplane crashes has raised concerns among travelers and experts alike.
Collision of Passenger and Military Planes Over Washinton DC
In the United States, several incidents have been reported in recent times. In January, a commercial jetliner and an Army helicopter collided near the nation’s capital, claiming 67 lives. This incident was the deadliest plane crash in the US since 2001. More recently, a collision between two planes at the Marana Regional Airport in Arizona claimed two lives.
These incidents have sparked worries among experts, including Hani Mahmassani, a transportation and engineering professor at Northwestern University.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) are currently investigating the causes of these collisions.
Two Planes Collided at the Marana Regional Airport in Arizona
However, concerns have been raised about the FAA’s capacity to ensure safety in the skies. The agency is reportedly short of 800 technicians, posing a significant risk to the nation’s airspace.
For any aviation company to thrive, a skilled and adequate safety workforce is crucial. The issue of understaffing and inadequate funding is not unique to the US only. In South Korea, a deadly crash in December resulted in the loss of all 179 lives on board. US federal officials have also raised concerns about the air traffic control system, citing overtaxation, understaffing, and inadequate pay. Mandatory retirement for some staff members has also been highlighted as a concern.
President Trump has blamed the mid-air collision on obsolete air traffic control systems, a response that has been met with skepticism by some. This raises questions about leadership and the capacity of the workforce in any nation to ensure safety in the skies.
As the investigation into these incidents continues, one thing is certain: the safety of air travel must be prioritized. This requires adequate funding, skilled personnel, and effective leadership. Anything short of this is unacceptable.
Stay informed and demand accountability. Aviation safety affects us all. Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments, and follow our updates for the latest on air travel safety. Visit LouisaOlaniyi.com.ng for more in-depth analysis and breaking news.
.. story by Akpa Evelyn Ogbene
Evelyn Akpa is a talented voice over artist, model, actress, print and broadcast journalist with over 15 years’ experience spanning print, online and television.
