Runways Are the Danger Zone, Not Maintenance Issues

New York Times:

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For Airlines, Runways Are the Danger Zone

By MATTHEW L. WALD
Published: April 25, 2008

WASHINGTON — The recent groundings of thousands of flights have raised flags about skipped airplane inspections and botched repairs to wiring.

But what really worries aviation specialists? Runway collisions.

“Where we are most vulnerable at this moment is on the ground,” the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board, Mark V. Rosenker, said. “To me, this is the most dangerous aspect of flying.” [Full Article]

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Interesting timing on this story - if you've listened to JFK ATIS in the past week, several times they have stated that Airport Surface Detection System testing is taking place, and all aircraft should operate transponders while on the ground.

i agree that there is a need to focus on safety on the ground, but that is an FAA issue. mx needs to be handles properly the first time as well, but by the airlines.