cocknballs
New member
- Joined
- Dec 6, 2002
- Posts
- 4
RAA staff has been working to answer numerous press inquiries regarding the safety of regional airline operations after the tragic accident in Charlotte, North Carolina on January 8. While Air Midwest/Mesa is not an RAA member, the Beech 1900D aircraft is operated by numerous member airlines. Additionally, much of the media was initially focused on "turboprops," without regard to the specific aircraft involved in the accident.
RAA conducted interviews with more than 20 national and regional newspapers. I participated in one television interview (NBC), which was also shown on CNBC. Additionally, I spoke with several of the other major networks (ABC, CNN and Fox).
Unfortunately, some of the media reports on the industry were negative, despite RAA providing accurate information on the safety and operations of the industry. RAA is responding to two of these misleading stories. Faye Malarkey contacted Jim Avilla (NBC and CNBC) and his producer to determine the source of the erroneous accident statistics reported Wednesday evening stating that regional airline operations are significantly less safe that those of the major airlines. When confronted with inaccuracies in his statements and, particularly, in a graphic where Mr. Avila attributed incorrect accident statistics to regional airlines, Mr. Avilla stated: "The smaller the plane, the greater the danger! It's a fact, and the public deserves to hear it." RAA is sending a follow up letter to ensure that the statistics are not used on future NBC/CNBC features.
Faye and I are also drafting a response to the Wall Street Journal's article "Qualms Over Turboprops Emerge Again," which appeared in today's "Personal Journal" section. The letter will reiterate the impressive safety record of the regional airline industry, emphasizing that turboprop aircraft are as safe as jet aircraft. We will also note that the decision some carriers made to move to all jet fleets was driven by economics, not safety concerns.
Additionally, David Lotterer contacted NTSB member John Goglia to correct his statement regarding engine out take off performance requirements for the B1900D Airplane. Dave noted that the B1900D was certified to the "commuter category" standards which in a number of instances is more stringent than the engine out take off performance standards for Part 25 airplanes. We suggested that Member Goglia contact the team members from Raytheon for more specific information on engine out performance.
Scott Foose, Dave and I initially prepared bullet points on the areas of media focus, including pilot training, flying at lower altitudes, weight and balance, as well as recent Beech 1900D airworthiness directives. However, it now appears that the media is focusing on the aircraft elevator. RAA will continue to monitor coverage and respond as appropriate to educate the media and traveling public on the operations, maintenance and safety of regional airline operations.
RAA conducted interviews with more than 20 national and regional newspapers. I participated in one television interview (NBC), which was also shown on CNBC. Additionally, I spoke with several of the other major networks (ABC, CNN and Fox).
Unfortunately, some of the media reports on the industry were negative, despite RAA providing accurate information on the safety and operations of the industry. RAA is responding to two of these misleading stories. Faye Malarkey contacted Jim Avilla (NBC and CNBC) and his producer to determine the source of the erroneous accident statistics reported Wednesday evening stating that regional airline operations are significantly less safe that those of the major airlines. When confronted with inaccuracies in his statements and, particularly, in a graphic where Mr. Avila attributed incorrect accident statistics to regional airlines, Mr. Avilla stated: "The smaller the plane, the greater the danger! It's a fact, and the public deserves to hear it." RAA is sending a follow up letter to ensure that the statistics are not used on future NBC/CNBC features.
Faye and I are also drafting a response to the Wall Street Journal's article "Qualms Over Turboprops Emerge Again," which appeared in today's "Personal Journal" section. The letter will reiterate the impressive safety record of the regional airline industry, emphasizing that turboprop aircraft are as safe as jet aircraft. We will also note that the decision some carriers made to move to all jet fleets was driven by economics, not safety concerns.
Additionally, David Lotterer contacted NTSB member John Goglia to correct his statement regarding engine out take off performance requirements for the B1900D Airplane. Dave noted that the B1900D was certified to the "commuter category" standards which in a number of instances is more stringent than the engine out take off performance standards for Part 25 airplanes. We suggested that Member Goglia contact the team members from Raytheon for more specific information on engine out performance.
Scott Foose, Dave and I initially prepared bullet points on the areas of media focus, including pilot training, flying at lower altitudes, weight and balance, as well as recent Beech 1900D airworthiness directives. However, it now appears that the media is focusing on the aircraft elevator. RAA will continue to monitor coverage and respond as appropriate to educate the media and traveling public on the operations, maintenance and safety of regional airline operations.
