Airbus developing ground collision alerting system
In 1977, Tenerife airport was the scene of a devastating ground collision between two 747 aircraft, the first one taking off and the other taxiing on the same runway. This remains the world’s deadliest aviation accident, claiming 583 lives. The subsequent investigation found two main causes. The first was a misunderstanding between ATC and the flight crew of the aircraft that was taking off. The second was a lack of coordination...
The ‘striking’ cost of strikes
EUROCONTROL has released a study analysing the impact of air traffic management (ATM) related strikes in Europe in terms of flight cancellations, delays and emissions and testing various mitigating measures. The study was carried out by the EUROCONTROL Network Manager (NM) on the request of the European Commission, closely examining ATC industrial action in France, Italy and Greece between 2018 and 2022, highlighting considerable...
The Commercialisation of Lower Airspace
Commercial drone companies are being charged to enter and operate within airport control zones at London Heliport and London Oxford Airport, marking what is believed to be the first instances of airports charging for airspace access. Does this represent the thin end of the wedge in terms of the commercialisation of lower airspace? The Association of Remotely Piloted Aircraft Systems UK (ARPAS UK) contacted FTN to advise that...
Transponder Phraseology?
Report Text: I called ATC asking for a Basic Service. I was given the QNH which I entered into my altimeter; Sky Demon and GPS confirmed the same altitude – 2400ft. After approximately 4 minutes I was called by ATC warning me that I was about to enter their controlled airspace at 2600ft! (controlled airspace minimum 2500ft.) I informed them that my instruments confirmed that my altitude was 2400ft. ATC asked to change to Mode...
