Episode 11: Takeoff and Landing Assessments, Part 1

On Dec. 8, 2005, Southwest Airlines 1248 was completing its trip from Baltimore when it plowed through a runway barrier and skidded onto the streets of Chicago. The Boeing 737 collided with two cars, killing 6-year-old Joshua Woods. The aircraft had been operating in near blizzard conditions and dealt with a stiff tailwind, a short runway, and some technical issues. Ultimately, the pilot did not have the appropriate landing data for Midway International Airport.

In the summer of 2006, the FAA convened a two-day meeting with industry safety experts to attempt to implement more safety measures for pilots. How did aviation organizations and individuals in the industry work together to improve takeoff and landing assessments for pilots?

In this episode we will hear from:

• Mike Byham, director of flight operations at American Airlines
• Chet Collett, director of flight operations at Alaska Airlines
• Rich Boll, member of NBAA’s Access Committee

Topics the episode will cover:

• Safety
• Flying in bad weather
• Runway excursions
• Takeoff and landing assessments

Read more:

• NTSB’s report on Southwest Airlines Flight 1248
• FAA’s Safo 06012
• Runway Condition Assessment Matrix (RCAM)
• Takeoff and Landing Performance Initiative (TALPA)
• Industry Makes Inroads on Takeoff and Landing Performance Assessments