 Background- the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has jurisdiction over U.S. airspace, the conduct of pilots, maintenance of aircraft, and design standards of airport infrastructure. The FAA also works with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to investigate accidents in an attempt to determine probable cause and contributing factors. The Metropolitan Airports Commission (MAC) is responsible for ensuring infrastructure at MAC airports meets or exceeds FAA standards, which are designed to help prevent aircraft accidents.PHL- What can you tell us about the frequency of plane crashes at FCM? Patrick Hogan- There is no pattern to the accidents or consistency between causes. If a pattern were to develop, there would be a concentrated effort by the NTSB and the FAA to correct known factors and to educate the aviation community through seminars, publications, and enhanced enforcement activities. Historical data indicates that from 1989 to date, over 3.5 million aircraft operations have taken place at the Flying Cloud Airport. During that time, 31 aircraft accidents occurred, of which only 10 happened outside of the immediate vicinity of the airport runways. PHL- Is there an investigation by the NTSB? Patrick Hogan- The severity of the incident/accident determines whether the FAA or the NTSB conducts an investigation to determine the cause. The investigating agency may take corrective or punitive action against the responsible parties if it can be determined there was a violation of rules. PHL- Scott Neal said in his blog that "Residents are beginning to ask questions about just what is going on. Is it just that the odds have caught up to Eden Prairie and Flying Cloud Airport? Is there something different going on with airplane maintenance? Is it just a matter of older planes failing more often? Is it related to changes in the number or kind of pilots who use Flying Cloud Airport? Is it related to the new runway facilities at Flying Cloud Airport?" Patrick Hogan- Statistically most accidents happen on airport property or within the Runway Protection Zone (RPZ), where approach and departure corridors are maintained free of obstructions and crowds of people. This is the case of the most recent accident, involving an aircraft that departed from Runway 18 at FCM. Requirements established by the FAA for aircraft maintenance and pilot proficiencies have not changed. Strict and comprehensive rules are established and enforced by the FAA to reduce and prevent engine failure and to minimize human error. The new runway facilities were not a contributing factor to recent accidents. None of the recent accidents involved a takeoff or departure using the newly constructed runway. Airport infrastructure at Flying Cloud Airport has never been determined by the FAA or NTSB as the source or cause of an aircraft accident. PHL- What is the MAC doing, or what can it do to try to avert frequent crashes? Patrick Hogan- The MAC is continuing to operate and maintain a safe and efficient airport. This is being accomplished by meeting or exceeding the standards set by the FAA related to pavement, airfield lighting, pavement markings, signage, navigational aids and runway protection zones. PHL- According to the city manager this issue will be discussed at the next Flying Cloud Airport Advisory Commission Meeting. Will you have anyone there from the FAA to respond to the commissioners about the accident frequency at FCM? Patrick Hogan- An invitation has been extended to FAA personnel to answers questions posed by the Advisory Commission. Patrick Hogan Public Affairs & Marketing Director Metropolitan Airports Commission |
| Last Updated on Thursday, 06 May 2010 13:58 |
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Interview with Patrick Hogan
Thursday, 06 May 2010 03:41
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