Thousands of Airbus A320 family aircraft were grounded globally for a software update after it was discovered that solar radiation could interfere with onboard flight control computers. The issue stemmed from a problem with software that calculates a plane’s altitude, potentially causing data corruption at high altitudes. While many aircraft could be updated with a simple software fix, older models required physical computer replacements, leading to potential delays. Airlines worldwide, including in the UK, US, and Australia, experienced varying levels of disruption, with cancellations and delays impacting some flights.
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American Airlines flight 2246 from Boston executed a standard go-around at Reagan National Airport due to an air traffic controller’s instruction to maintain separation from another aircraft departing the same runway. The airline confirmed the maneuver was a routine procedure, emphasizing its “no-fault” policy regarding go-arounds, and that the flight landed safely. A similar incident occurred shortly after at Chicago’s Midway International Airport involving a Southwest Airlines flight, also resulting in a precautionary go-around to avoid a conflict with a private jet on the runway. Both incidents highlight the safety measures employed to prevent collisions.
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The dreaded fear of turbulence when flying is something that haunts many of us, especially those with a slight inclination towards nervousness when it comes to air travel. The recent incident of a London-Singapore flight being hit by severe turbulence that resulted in the death of a 73-year-old British man, Geoff Kitchen, sends chills down my spine. As someone who has experienced their fair share of terrifying moments during flights, hearing about such incidents always brings a sense of unease and discomfort to the forefront of my mind.
As a frequent flyer myself, I can relate to the panic and anxiety that sets in when the seatbelt sign turns on and the aircraft starts to jostle and shake.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker