Why Does the U.S. Have an Airline Pilot Shortage?

To complicate matters, the pilot shortage is poised to get worse, not better

According to multiple reports, the U.S. airline industry is facing a looming problem: a shortage of pilots.

The problem has been on the horizon for several years, but it received additional attention in 2009, when a regional airline flight crashed into a private home outside Buffalo, killing 50 people. When investigators discovered that the pilot’s inexperience caused the crash, lawmakers increased the required number of flight hours for first officers from 250 to 1,500 hours.

According to Time, the significant boost in required flight hours was designed to increase passenger safety. Unfortunately, the change has also exacerbated the pilot shortage, as many pilots who would have qualified to serve as first officers under the old rule are now prohibited from working as first officers.

The High Cost of Pilot Training

Time and other sources also point to the high cost of pilot education and training compared to entry-level salaries in the airline industry. Learning to fly is not cheap, and the average cost of flight-training fees in the U.S. is around $64,500, according to a Bloomberg report.

Because pilots-in-training must now have more hours, they must also pay for additional experience, which means more flight-training fees. When you add the cost of these hours to the price of a college degree and other expenses, pilots pay about $150,000 before they even land their first job.

According to a spokesperson for the Regional Airline Association, the starting salary for a first officer for a regional airline is just $27,350 per year, with some earning as little as $16,000 annually. Although many airlines now offer signing bonuses, there simply aren’t enough qualified candidates to fill open pilot jobs.

Baby Boomer Pilots Retiring

To complicate matters, the pilot shortage is poised to get worse, not better. A study published by the University of North Dakota’s Aviation Department says the impending pilot deficit also faces another blow: an aging crop of current senior pilots. The study predicts a shortage of 15,000 pilots by 2026, as growing numbers of top pilots are approaching the mandatory retirement age of 65. Because there are not enough up-and-coming pilots to replace them, the study’s authors say airlines face a serious dilemma.

Airlines have also been hurt by consolidations and bankruptcies – especially among regional airlines. With fewer jobs available for pilots just starting out, it is difficult for would-be pilots to get the hours and training they need to fly for larger airlines.

New York Aviation Accident Law Firm

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, or you have lost someone in an airline crash, you need the help and support of an experienced New York aviation accident lawyer. These are complex cases. Work with a lawyer known for handling airline accident cases for clients throughout the United States and abroad.

Call Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC to discuss your case with an experienced New York airline accident lawyer today. Call 866-324-9211.

 

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

The Empire State Building

350 5th Avenue #6400

New York, NY 10118

T: (212) 736-0979

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Road Trash Responsible for 200,000 Crashes

Individuals injured in road debris crashes may have a cause of action against the driver and, in cases where the driver was working for a freight company, the carrier who owns the truck or manages the truck operator.  

Drive down any highway, and you’re likely to see some form of road debris, whether it’s a piece of tire tread or the remains of a fast food meal. On some occasions, you may even encounter a large and potentially deadly hazard, such as a piece of furniture or a load of equipment or building materials that has fallen from the back of a semi trailer.

Although most local police and state highway patrol officers try to remove road trash and debris as quickly as possible, a new report says road trash causes more accidents than most people realize.

If you or a loved one has been involved in an auto crash caused by road debris, you have important legal rights. Protect them by speaking to a New York auto accident lawyer. You may be entitled to compensation, including money for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Road Debris Can Cause Deadly Crashes

According to a report released in 2016 by the AAA Foundation for Traffic Safety, road debris has caused over 200,000 auto accidents within the past four years. The study, which examined crashes between 2011 and 2014, found that road debris caused 39,000 injuries and 500 deaths in that time period.

The study also analyzed how these accidents occur.

• In 37 percent of fatal crashes, accidents occurred because a driver swerved to avoid hitting trash or debris in the road.
• One in three crashes occurred between 10:00 a.m. and 3:59 p.m., when people are more likely to be moving freight, furniture, or construction equipment on the highway.
• These types of crashes happen more often on interstates.
• Driving at a high rate of speed increases the risk of cargo or items falling from a vehicle and onto the road.

Every state in the country has a law prohibiting unsecured loads in and on vehicles. On the highway, where cars travel at comparatively high speeds, even a small piece of equipment or furniture falling from a vehicle can cause serious and fatal accidents. Individuals injured in road debris crashes may have a cause of action against the driver and, in cases where the driver was working for a freight company, the carrier who owns the truck or manages the truck operator.  

New York Catastrophic Personal Injury Law Firm

Road debris isn’t just a problem of esthetics. Trash and debris in the road can cost lives. Motorists who transport cargo, equipment, or furniture have a responsibility to make sure their items are properly secured. They should use netting, straps, tie-downs, or tarps to ensure their cargo won’t shake loose or spill from the vehicle during transport. Motorists must also take care not to overload their vehicles.

If you have been hurt in an auto collision caused by debris or trash in the road, you may be eligible to receive compensation for your injuries. Don’t hesitate to contact an experienced auto accident and personal injury lawyer about your case. Call Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC to discuss your case with an experienced New York auto accident lawyer today. Call 866-324-9211.

 

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

The Empire State Building

350 5th Avenue #6400

New York, NY 10118

T: (212) 736-0979

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Update: Takata Airbag Recall – Jonathan C. Reiter Mass Disaster Attorney Offers Insight

If you or a loved one has been injured by a defective airbag call the New York mass transportation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter for a free case evaluation

If you drive in the U.S. today, you can’t afford to get behind the wheel of any vehicle without knowing about the Takata airbag recall. By far the largest auto recall in American history, the recall encompasses 40 million vehicles in the U.S. and more than 100 million worldwide. In the United States, it spans 14 automakers and includes both domestic and foreign cars and trucks. The recall also applies to both driver-side and passenger-side airbags.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has called it the “most complex” auto recall ever. No matter what kind of car you drive, it’s important to make sure your vehicle is safe. If you have a defective Takata airbag, you can get it replaced at no charge. Taking action could save your life or the life of a loved one.

Why Are the Takata Airbags Defective?

The first wave of Takata airbag recalls began in April 2013. Over the past few years, several more waves have been issued.

The problem with the airbags, which were installed in cars manufactured between 2002 and 2015, is the metal cartridge that holds the airbag’s propellant wafers and acts as the airbag’s inflater. In some crashes, these defective inflaters explode, sending metal shrapnel and other debris flying through the vehicle at high speeds. The faulty inflaters also sometimes cause the airbag to inflate improperly, rendering it ineffective in a crash. As of July 2016, there have been 10 confirmed deaths and over 100 injuries caused by Takata airbags.

Multiple sources say Takata knew about the defective airbags all the way back in 2004, but failed to take any action and neglected to notify the NHTSA that it’s faulty airbags were linked to fatal accidents and injuries. Another report says Takata allowed a defect rate six to eight times higher than the acceptable rate. To put this into perspective, Takata allowed 60 to 80 defective airbags per 1 million to leave its factory.

How Many Defective Airbags Have Been Repaired?

According to the NHTSA, more than 10 million defective Takata airbags have been repaired as of August 12, 2016, including over 5 million driver-side airbags and more than 4 million passenger-side airbags. The NHTSA also says that Honda Acuras manufactured between 2001 and 2003 have a high risk of ruptures.

The Takata airbag recall continues to grow, so it’s important to continue checking to see if your vehicle has been recalled. To find out if your car is on the recall list, go to safercar.gov and enter your vehicle’s VIN number. The safercar.gov website covers all recalls issued within the last 15 years.

New York Mass Transportation Accident Lawyer

Recalls of this magnitude are fortunately rare. When they occur, however, they are a sobering reminder that, no matter how many safety checks we put on auto manufacturers, defective vehicles and vehicle components can still enter the stream of commerce.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a motor vehicle collision, or you have lost a loved one in a crash caused by a defective vehicle or part, call New York mass transportation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter for a free case evaluation. 646-863-8172.

 

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

The Empire State Building

350 5th Avenue #6400

New York, NY 10118

T: (212) 736-0979

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California Enacts New Safety Rules for Charter Buses

New York bus and transportation accident lawyer says California Enacts New Safety Rules for Charter Buses

Whether you’re a frequent flyer or just an occasional air passenger, you are probably familiar with the safety announcements that take place prior to any flight. In most cases, flight attendants stand at various places in the cabin and give passengers a comprehensive safety briefing about what to do in a variety of emergency situations. This information may seem routine, but it can save your life in a crash.

But how often do charter buses instruct their passengers on safety procedures? Probably not too often, because there are no federal laws requiring them to do so. As reported by the Washington Post, motorcoaches – which are also called charter buses – are not as regulated as airplanes. Bus drivers are not required to give passengers safety briefings, nor do they have to instruct passengers on evacuation procedures. There are also no federal regulations requiring motorcoaches to have fireproofing or data recorders – two safety precautions found on all domestic aircraft and the majority of airplanes abroad.

Tragically, the push for these safety measures usually only comes after a disaster resulting in a major loss of life. In 2014, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) urged the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to create stricter safety regulations for motorcoach and charter bus companies.

The NTSB recommendations came amid the agency’s investigation of a horrific California bus crash that killed 10 people, including five high school students who were on a trip to visit colleges. The crash occurred when a FedEx tractor-trailer crossed the median and first struck a car, then the motorcoach head-on. Diesel fuel from the semi-truck poured into the bus cabin, igniting in a fiery blast that immediately engulfed the bus. The majority of the fatalities were caused by smoke inhalation.

California’s New Motorcoach Safety Regulations

Although the NHTSA has yet to take action to increase charter bus safety, California lawmakers have approved new rules for all charter bus companies operating in the state. According to the Los Angeles Times, the new rules require all motorcoaches manufactured after July 1, 2020 and equipped to carry 39 or more passengers to have emergency lighting installed. The rules also require mandatory passenger safety briefings prior to any trip.

The proposed legislation would have also required motorcoaches to have a second exit door, however, that portion of the proposed bill was dropped when representatives of the motorcoach industry claimed it would be too expensive to implement.

Sadly, the 2014 charter bus accident is by no means an isolated incident. In May 2016, a charter bus crash resulted in eight deaths and dozens of injuries. According to NBC News, the crash occurred late in the evening, during a period of rain. The bus driver lost control of the bus, causing it to roll over.      

New York Bus Accident Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in a charter bus accident, or you have lost a loved one in this type of accident, call New York bus and transportation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter for a free case evaluation.

 

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

The Empire State Building

350 5th Avenue #6400

New York, NY 10118

T: (212) 736-0979

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Source: Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

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What Causes Aviation Accidents?

New York Aviation Accidents Lawyer Explains the Big Picture!

Aviation disasters are fortunately rare, but they are horrifying and often fatal when they do happen. They also make headlines around the world, which can cause even frequent flyers to think twice about taking to the skies. To put air accidents in perspective, there were 21 airline crashes in 2014 out of  33.4 million flights.

A big part of understanding the risks of flying is understanding why and how accidents happen.

Human Error

No matter how technologically advanced the airplane, every flight is vulnerable to the possibility of human error. In fact, human error accounts for 80 percent of all airline accidents, both fatal and non-fatal. Furthermore, it’s not just a pilot’s negligence that can cause an aviation accident. Crashes can happen due to a mechanic’s error, negligence on the part of the ground crew, or miscommunication in the tower.

Flights in Developing Countries

Air travel is also much riskier in developing nations. The chance of a fatal accident is 1 in 19.8 million for passengers flying in the developed world. This ratio plummets to 1 in 2 million in nations with poor safety records. The majority of airlines with dismal safety ratings are located in Africa, the ex-Soviet nations, and countries in Southeast Asia. For example, Indonesia’s aviation death rate is 25 times higher than that of U.S.-based airlines.

Regional and Commuter Airlines

There is also a considerable gap in safety rankings between major air carriers and small regional and commuter airlines. Budget airlines tends to pay their pilots less on average, which means their pilots tend to have less experience and fewer hours in the cockpit compared to pilots for large commercial airlines. For example, between 2003 and 2009, commuter flights had crash rates 10 times higher than rates for the major U.S. airlines.

Flight Safety Features

Over the past 70 years, airlines have added numerous safety features designed to reduce crashes. Most people have heard of the “black box” used to record conversations in the cockpit, as well as instrument readings. These devices were pioneered in the 1950s and are now standard in all aircraft.

The FAA also began requiring ground proximity warning systems in the 1970s, followed by collision avoidance technology in the early 1980s. This technology expanded to automated avoidance systems in the mid-2000s. Today, aircraft can automatically navigate away from solid obstacles, such as trees, buildings, and other aircraft.  

New York Aviation Accidents Lawyer

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation crash, or you have lost a loved one in an aviation accident, call New York aviation accident lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter for a free case evaluation. (212) 736-0979

 

Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC

The Empire State Building

350 5th Avenue #6400

New York, NY 10118

T: (212) 736-0979

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Air Turbulence Can Cause Serious Injuries

When most people think about aviation injuries and fatalities, they think of airline crashes. Admittedly, catastrophic crashes usually get the most media coverage. Fortunately, disastrous aviation crashes are relatively rare. On the whole, air travel is indeed the safest way to get from one place to another. Just because a plane doesn’t crash, however, doesn’t mean passengers can’t get seriously injured. Air turbulence is much more common than catastrophic crashes, but it can still cause catastrophic injuries. In fact, air turbulence is the most common cause of injury to airline passengers.

Earlier this summer, an Etihad Airways flight traveling from Abu Dhabi to Jakarta experienced air turbulence so severe, over 30 passengers were injured and nine were so badly injured they had to be transported directly from the runway to the hospital.

You can visit BBC News to read more about this air turbulence accident.

In June 2016, dozens of passengers on a Malaysian Airlines flight traveling from London to Kuala Lumpur were injured due to severe turbulence. As reported by the Telegraph, passengers posted photos showing overturned food carts, spilled food, and scattered luggage – all the aftermath of the flight’s path through rough skies over the Bay of Bengal.   

In December 2015, an Air Canada flight also experienced violent air turbulence that reportedly caused some passengers to be thrown as high as the plane’s ceiling.

Types of Air Turbulence Injuries

Air turbulence injuries can occur in a variety of ways. Unsecured equipment, such as rolling food carts, is a major source of passenger and flight attendant injuries. Falling luggage is also a problem, with some estimates placing falling luggage-related injuries at 4,500 incidents per year. Passengers can also get injured while walking around the cabin or using the lavatory when turbulence strikes. Unfortunately, because turbulence is often unpredictable, passengers can get caught in a bumpy ride with little or no warning. In the cramped interior of an airline cabin, injuries can occur before a passenger has an opportunity to return to his or her seat.  

Although fatal air turbulence injuries are rare, passengers can and do get seriously hurt during flights every year. Severe injuries include broken ribs, head and spine injuries, broken ankles, and internal injuries. Passengers can also experience secondary injuries caused by physiological reactions to turbulence, such as high blood pressure caused by the fear and anxiety associated with a violent flight.  

Who Is Responsible for Air Turbulence Injuries?

In many cases, the airline is liable for passenger injuries caused by air turbulence. Although pilots generally can’t detect turbulence on radar, they usually receive warning about impending turbulence from a variety of sources, including other pilots, air traffic controllers, and the Federal Aviation Administration.

The airline is also liable for injuries caused by the negligence of flight attendants. For example, an airline might be responsible in cases where a flight attendant failed to properly secure luggage, or in a situation where a flight attendant left a beverage or food cart in an aisle.

In other cases, passengers can file a lawsuit against the manufacturer of equipment within the aircraft or the manufacture of the aircraft itself. For example, a defective latch on an overhead storage compartment could cause luggage to fall, resulting in passenger injuries.

Each air turbulence case is different, and a passenger may need to file a lawsuit against more than one party or entity to ensure he or she receives full and fair compensation.

New York Aviation Accident Lawyer

Attorney Jonathan C. Reiter is an experienced aviation accident lawyer who devotes a significant portion of his practice to helping air disaster victims and their families obtain compensation for injuries and deaths caused by negligence in the aviation industry. He has a long track record of success in the area of aviation accidents representation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an aviation accident, you need the help of an experienced air disaster and injury lawyer.
Call 866-324-9211  today for a free case evaluation.

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Does NY Law Put Caps on Damages in Medical Malpractice Cases?

In some states, legislation limits the amount of money a plaintiff can receive in a medical malpractice case. This is often a shock to people who have been injured in a hospital or at the hands of a physician or other medical professional.

When you consider that hospital errors are now the third leading cause of death in the United States – causing 251,000 deaths and thousands more injuries annually – knowing your compensation could be cut off at the knees is a tough pill to swallow.

New York does not place arbitrary caps on damage awards in medical negligence cases.

This does not mean, however, that juries are allowed to award unreasonable amounts of compensation. If you have been injured by a doctor, or you believe you received negligent care in a hospital or other health care facility, contact New York medical malpractice lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter. Time is of the essence in these cases, as the law limits the amount of time in which you have to file a claim.

The Chilling Effect of Med Mal Damages Caps

In recent years, personal injury and medical malpractice damages caps have been a favorite topic of so-called “tort reformers” in many states across the country.

The idea behind limiting the amount of money a plaintiff can receive is that it lowers the cost of health care for everyone. Proponents also claim damages caps reduce the number of frivolous lawsuits, which drain judicial resources and make it more difficult for plaintiffs with legitimate cases to get access to the court system.

A number of states with this type of legislation put caps on non-economic damages, which include damages for things like pain and suffering – costs that can be difficult to quantify.

However, these laws haven’t gone unchallenged. According to the American Bar Association, a number of states have seen their tort reform laws attacked as unconstitutional.  

Although many of these states’ lawmakers have good intentions, the reforms they have passed often create an unfair result for people who have been catastrophically injured. A recent Kansas case is a tragic example of how medical malpractice damages caps can leave a grieving family feeling victimized twice.

According to a KCTV News report, a Missouri mother was devastated to learn that the $2.5 million in damages she received from a Kansas City jury would be reduced to just $350,000. The mother lost her unborn child at 36 weeks’ gestation when an emergency room doctor failed to diagnose an internal hematoma; instead, the doctor sent her home with pain medication. The jury found the doctor liable for the baby’s death.

Prior to deliberation in the case, jurors were not told of a Kansas law that caps medical malpractice damages at $700,000 as of 2015. Because a prior version of the law capped damages at just $350,000 – a law that was in place when the doctor’s negligence occurred – the mother may receive just $350,000 if the judge rules that her case should be governed under the previous statute.

No Arbitrary Caps on Damages in New York Medical Malpractice Cases

According to New York medical malpractice attorney, Jonathan C. Reiter, New York law does not arbitrarily cap damages in medical negligence cases.

“In New York, there are no arbitrary caps on damage awards in medical malpractice cases,” he said.

Reiter notes, however, that New York does have necessary and effective checks and balances against unreasonable damages.

“Both the trial level courts and appellate courts have authority to reduce jury verdicts that they feel exceed fair compensation, and this is an appropriate and highly effective way to guard against unjustly high awards,” he said.

He added that New York courts also have the ability to give a plaintiff additional compensation when a jury does not fully compensate a medical malpractice victim.

“Coincidentally,” he said, “the courts have authority to increase awards that are deemed inadequate in view of the actual damages sustained. The evil of damages ‘caps’ is that they arbitrarily penalize those that sustain the most egregious and catastrophic injuries. The traditional goal of civil damages is to make the injured party ‘whole’ to the extent possible. Arbitrary caps on damages prevent the most seriously injured victims of medical malpractice from ever being made ‘whole’ and impair the ability of courts and juries to provide true justice to our citizens.”

Call a New York Medical Malpractice Lawyer about Your Case

If you have been injured by a physician or hospital, call New York medical malpractice lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter for a free case evaluation.

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JetBlue Pilot Accused of Flying While Under the Influence Facing Federal Charges

A JetBlue pilot who was arrested after being accused of piloting two flights while under the influence of alcohol now faces federal charges. Media reports say a complaint recently filed in the Eastern District of New York says the pilot was selected for random alcohol testing in April of last year, and blew a 0.111 and a 0.091.

Source: ABC News Report “JetBlue Pilot Arrested for Allegedly Flying Drunk”

“A JetBlue pilot is due in court today, arrested after allegedly flying while under the influence of alcohol. Dennis Murphy had already piloted two flights between Orlando and JFK International Airport in New York when he was selected for random alcohol testing on April 21, 2015, according to a complaint filed in the Eastern District of New York last week. According to the breath alcohol technician, Murphy’s “face was red and he was chewing gum rapidly” on the way to the testing office, the complaint said. After allegedly blowing an 0.111 and a 0.091, he asserted the results “must have been caused by the gum.”

To read more visit http://abcnews.go.com/US/jetblue-pilot-arrested-allegedly-flying-drunk/story?id=38711452.

A co-pilot stated to agents that he witnessed the pilot “drinking an unknown beverage from a cup before and during” each of the flights in question. A combined 270 passengers were transported on the planes. The pilot reportedly resigned after JetBlue removed him from flight status. The airline released a statement recently saying, “Following last year’s incident, the crewmember was removed from duty and is no longer employed at JetBlue.”

Pilot Negligence and Aviation Accidents

According to New York based aviation lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, who has no connection with the aforementioned matter, but has won substantial verdicts and settlements against JetBlue and other airlines for cases pertaining to pilot negligence, “substance abuse among professional airline pilots is an intolerable behavior that unfortunately happens more than many would expect.”

FAA records show that in 2015, over 1,500 airline personnel, whose jobs included duties designed to ensure airline safety, including pilots, tested positive for illegal substances.

Source: Fox News Report “Danger in the cockpit: FAA records show pilots fly drunk, engage in criminal activity”

“Between 2010 and 2015, FAA records show 64 pilots were cited for violating the alcohol and drug provisions, and in 2015, some 1,546 personnel who must ensure airline safety, including 38 pilots, tested positive for one or more of five illegal drugs.”

To read more visit http://www.foxnews.com/us/2016/04/27/danger-in-cockpit-faa-records-show-pilots-fly-drunk-engage-in-criminal-activity.html.

The attorney states on his website of pilot negligence in general “Pilots assume responsibility for the safety of passengers each time they put themselves in command of an aircraft. Unfortunately, not all pilots act in accordance with outlined safety standards and guidelines, and negligently put their own lives in addition to the lives of others at risk by making poor decisions prior to or while they are operating a plane.”

Says Reiter of the circumstances of the aforementioned case, “it is important when these types of behaviors are uncovered that immediate action is taken to help keep passengers safe, and hold airlines accountable so that they tighten protocol for pre-screening pilots and monitoring their behavior.”

Connect with the Jonathan C. Reiter, PLLC law firm on Facebook, Twitter
Hear the attorney’s legal perspective on Aviation matters via YouTube.

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Airlines Attempt to Blame Congress for Air Travel Security Screening Issues

Weeks after the U.S. Senate approved a measure designed to strengthen air travel security, news reports say airlines have begun pointing the finger at Congress for long screening lines and security issues that impact passengers. In the latest developments of an ongoing debate over how to effectively improve the safety of air travel for passengers on commercial flights in the U.S., the trade group Airlines for America has expressed its position that Congress should reverse a past decision regarding passenger-security fees so that billions of dollars diverted in 2013 to reduce the federal deficit can be provided for airport security screening.

Source: Denver Post Report “Airlines say Congress is contributing to long airport lines”

“As airport security lines get longer, the finger-pointing over blame is growing too.
The nation’s leading airlines, already feuding with the Transportation Security Administration, are now taking on Congress. The trade group Airlines for America said Congress should reverse a 2013 decision that diverted $12.6 billion in passenger-security fees to reduce the federal budget deficit. The airlines want that money to pay for airport security screening.”

To read more visit http://www.denverpost.com/2016/05/20/airlines-say-congress-is-contributing-to-long-airport-lines/.

Airport Security Lapses and Threats to Passengers

New York aviation lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, who has handled a number of legal cases concerning lapses in airport security says that since lawmakers voted in favor of the addition of airport security provisions to an FAA measure last month, airlines and airports have publicly expressed complaints about anticipated financial costs that following new protocol would impose on them.

Says Reiter, “there seems to be a widespread effort to convince the general public that implementing new important safety measures would be too costly; however, it has been shown that a number of airlines and airports have even with current requirements failed in their duties to weed out and reduce threats on multiple occasions.”

Some suggest the criticism of Congress with regards to costs is an attempt by airlines to divert attention away from longstanding problems with security breaches that place the lives of flight passengers at risk that have had nothing to do with recent claims. According to a report by the Los Angeles Daily News, airport security lapses have occurred with far more frequency over the last decade than previously believed.

Source: Daily News Report “Airport security lapses frequent”

“An Associated Press investigation found 268 perimeter breaches since 2004 at airports that together handle three-quarters of U.S. commercial passenger traffic. And that’s an undercount, because two airports among the 31 that AP surveyed didn’t have data for all years. Boston’s Logan refused to release any information, citing security concerns. “Disturbing,” Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti said in response to the AP report during an “Ask the Mayor” segment on KNX-AM radio, noting that he wasn’t surprised at his airport’s 24 breaches because it is one of the largest in the nation.

To read more visit http://www.dailynews.com/general-news/20150409/airport-security-lapses-frequent.

Of the recent developments regarding the debate about airline security, New York attorney Jonathan C. Reiter says “rather than pointing fingers and making excuses for any shortcomings, airports and airlines should evaluate their current processes for keeping passengers safe and focus their attention on how they can best actively take steps to comply with laws and regulations.”

Connect with the Jonathan C. Reiter, PLLC law firm on Facebook, Twitter
Hear the attorney’s legal perspective on Aviation matters via YouTube.

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Brussels Airport Departure Hall Partially Reopens Following Deadly Bombings

The Brussels airport departure hall has been partially re-opened weeks after two explosions led to the deaths and injuries of multiple people. Attacks on the airport and a subway station were carried out on March 22. An investigation into the attacks is still ongoing.

Source: CNN Report “Surveillance footage, cab driver offer clues in investigation in Brussels attack”

“Brussels, Belgium (CNN) In grainy images from surveillance footage, a man wearing light-colored clothes and a hat pushes a baggage cart through the airport. It’s one key piece of evidence authorities are looking at as they search for suspects after two explosions at the Brussels airport and another at a busy subway station in the Belgian capital Tuesday killed at least 30 people and wounded 230 others.”

To read more visit http://www.cnn.com/2016/03/22/europe/brussels-explosions/index.html.

On the day of the reopening, thousands of passengers were reportedly queued for hours amid a chaotic scene that has been attributed to the security screening process put into place.

Source: Daily Mail Report “Chaos at Brussels airport as passengers are forced to queue for hours amid tighter security checks as terminal reopens after terror attack”

“Thousands of travellers queued for hours and some missed their flights amid tighter security checks at the newly reopened departures hall at Brussels airport following the terror attacks in March. Angry passengers took to social media to complain of three-hour waits due to increased security screening at Brussels Zaventem Airport, which reopened yesterday.”

To read more visit http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-3569797/Chaos-Brussels-airport-passengers-forced-queue-hours-amid-tighter-security-checks-terminal-reopens-terror-attack.html?ITO=1490&ns_mchannel=rss&ns_campaign=1490.

Airport Safety Concerns Following a Terrorist Attack

According to New York aviation lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, airlines have a duty to protect passengers from security threats that may arise from a number of circumstances including acts of terrorism. Says the attorney of incidents like the recent events concerning the Brussels Airport reopening “there are many factors to consider when choosing to reopen an airport soon after a fatal terrorist attack, and protecting passengers must be top priority. Attempting to avoid a decline in profits and reopen too soon before the right protocol is set in place can put passengers in serious danger.”

The New York lawyer further says of airlines who are negligent in this capacity and others on his website “Statistics show that over 90 percent of air traffic is that of commercial airlines. Commercial airplanes are deemed the most efficient means of traveling long distances and also the safest. However, there are cases where airlines fail to adhere to the high standards of customer care and service expected of them, and subject customers to their negligent acts and behavior. Thousands of fatalities have been linked to airline errors and misconduct over the last decade.”

A number of airlines have continued to suspend flights to Brussels in spite of the partial reopening.

Connect with the Jonathan C. Reiter, PLLC law firm on Facebook, Twitter
Hear the attorney’s legal perspective on Aviation matters via YouTube.

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U.S. Senate Approves New Airport Security Rules, Airports Complain

The U.S. Senate recently approved a measure designed to bolster air travel security.

The U.S. Senate has approved a measure designed to enhance air travel security. Reports say lawmakers voted by an overwhelming majority to add airport security provisions to a separate bill pertaining to the renewal of Federal Aviation Administration programs through September 2017.

Source: Reuters Report “U.S. senators vote to bolster travel security in FAA bill”

“The U.S. Senate voted on Thursday to bolster travel security…with measures that include doubling the number of transportation security teams with bomb-sniffing dogs at domestic airports and other transit hubs… After Republicans and Democrats reached a deal on security measures earlier in the day, lawmakers voted to raise the number of Visible Intermodal Prevention Response, or VIPER, teams within the Transportation Security Administration from 31 to 60. VIPER teams, which are intended as a visible deterrent to attacks, can be deployed at airports and train or bus stations.”

To read more visit http://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-security-airports-idUSKCN0X41Z2.

Sen. John Thune (R) of South Dakota, who chairs the Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee, has said of the need for the changes, “Events around the world and security lapses at US airports necessitate new protections for the traveling public… Keeping Americans safe from future attacks is a top priority in this Senate.”

Included in the proposed changes are provisions for adding security to baggage claim and check-in areas that may be deemed vulnerable, granting authorization to TSA to provide foreign airports that have direct flights to the U.S. with security equipment donations, and other measures. Some airports have already voiced complaints about associated costs of bolstering security measures in spite of numerous security breaches that have placed numerous passengers at risk in recent years.

Source: McClatchy Report “MSP Wary of Too Little Staffing for Beefed-Up Airport Security”

“April 09–WASHINGTON — Minneapolis-St. Paul International Airport officials have one message to Congress about a proposal to boost airport security nationwide: Give us the proper manpower to do it.”

To read more visit http://www.aviationpros.com/news/12192848/msp-wary-of-too-little-staffing-for-beefed-up-airport-security.

According to New York aviation attorney Jonathan C. Reiter, who has handled several personal injury cases involving airport security breaches, the early complaints could indicate potential issues with airports failing to take necessary precautions to reduce threats to airline passengers. The New York attorney says “last year, the Department of Homeland Security found that 73 workers were determined to have possible links to terrorism, but this went undetected in the normal screening process used by the TSA. The group included airline workers and airport vendors who had active clearance badges. This is just one example of how airport security has failed passengers in terms of potentially placing their lives at risk. The early complaints of airports aren’t a good sign that they are going to attempt to effectively follow new FAA guidelines.”

The New York personal injury lawyer says statistics clearly show that presently airports aren’t doing enough to ward off security threats. The Los Angeles Daily News reported last year on the frequency of airport security lapses saying, “An Associated Press investigation found 268 perimeter breaches since 2004 at airports that together handle three-quarters of U.S. commercial passenger traffic. And that’s an undercount, because two airports among the 31 that AP surveyed didn’t have data for all years.”

Says Jonathan C. Reiter, “Looking at the numerous adverse events that have occurred within the aviation industry over time due to security lapses, instead of voicing complaints now, airports should be rallying for improvements and eager for new rules to be put in place.”

The FAA measure will be subject to a final vote that is expected later in the month.

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Pilot Error Caused US Airways Crash That Forced Emergency Evacuation in Philadelphia

New York aviation lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter says the latest NTSB investigative findings attribute a botched U.S. Airways takeoff in Philadelphia to pilot error.

New reports say pilot error was the cause of a botched US Airways takeoff in Philadelphia that resulted in a crash landing in 2014. Federal investigators with the National Transportation Safety Board revealed the information in its final investigative report released on February 25.

Source: AP Report “US Air aborted takeoff in Philadelphia blamed on pilot error”

“PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Federal investigators say pilot error was the “probable cause” of an aborted takeoff that collapsed a jet’s nose gear in Philadelphia. The National Transportation Safety Board says US Airways Flight 1702’s pilot and co-pilot chose to take off rather than ensure its computer was properly configured. The NTSB’s final report was released Thursday. It says the first officer entered information for the wrong runway before the March 2014 flight took off.”

To read more visit http://news.yahoo.com/us-air-aborted-takeoff-philadelphia-blamed-pilot-error-213438156.html;_ylt=AwrBT9zAnNRWtboAZIFXNyoA;_ylu=X3oDMTByMjB0aG5zBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzYw–.

The flight was leaving from Philadelphia International Airport on March 13, 2014 and headed to Fort Lauderdale when the incident occurred. The plane bounced into the air after slamming onto the runway during takeoff, subsequently traversing 2,000 feet into a field.

Although initial reports suggested a blown tire or landing gear may have contributed to the crash, the NTSB’s most recent findings say the pilots failed to follow proper procedures, causing the accident.

Source: Pilot Error Blamed for 2014 Botched US Airways Takeoff, NTSB Says

“The agency pointed to not following procedures and the “captain’s decision to reject the takeoff” after the plane had reached a speed in which it was no longer safe to do so as probable causes. The agency said that the pilots did not input a piece of information into the flight computer correctly. According to the report, the pilot told the first officer that they’d get the data issue “straight when we get airborne.”

To read more visit http://abcnews.go.com/US/pilot-error-blamed-2014-botched-us-airways-takeoff/story?id=37203613.

The report also says that, “inaccurate data then triggered a series of audio alerts, according to the NTSB. As a result, when the jet started to take off, alerts sounded in the cockpit.”

An NTSB specialist said in the factual report that the plane was “in air” for 4 seconds. The decision by the captain to abort takeoff while the plane was in the air already primarily caused the incident.

Plane Crashes and Pilot Error

According to New York aviation lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, who is litigating a serious injury case arising from this crash on behalf of an injured passenger, pilot error is one of the top reported causes of plane crashes. The New York lawyer says on his website of the issue of a number of aviation accidents having been linked to pilot error over time, “Pilots assume responsibility for the safety of passengers each time they put themselves in command of an aircraft. Unfortunately, not all pilots act in accordance with outlined safety standards and guidelines, and negligently put their own lives in addition to the lives of others at risk by making poor decisions prior to or while they are operating a plane.”

The attorney further says, “Acts of pilot negligence include operating an aircraft while intoxicated or under the influence of drugs, a failure to communicate properly with air traffic control, a failure to exercise due diligence in inclement weather conditions, failure to maintain situational awareness and other types of negligence.” Individuals who have been injured in an aviation incident or lost a loved one in a plane crash that may have been caused by pilot error, can assess their legal options with a qualified attorney.

An American Airlines spokesperson said that neither pilot involved in the aforementioned incident had flown since, and the plane was no longer in service.

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Investigators Issue Safety Recommendation After Germanwings Plane Crash Probe

New York aviation lawyer says French investigators have unveiled new information about the Germanwings plane crash that killed 150 people last year.

French investigators have released a new safety recommendation following a lengthy probe into the circumstances surrounding a Germanwings plane crash. Nearly a year after the crash of Germanwings Flight 9525 on March 24, 2015, which killed 150 people on board, France’s BEA air accident investigation agency has said that worldwide, aviation agencies should develop new rules that would require medical workers to issue warnings to authorities when the mental health of a pilot proves to be a threat to public safety. The investigators’ determination follows their conclusion that the co-pilot of the flight exhibited mental health issues prior to the flight.

Source: Chicago Tribune Report “Germanwings crash: Co-pilot showed symptoms consistent with ‘psychotic episode'”

“Aviation agencies around the world should draw up new rules requiring medical workers to warn authorities when a pilot’s mental health could threaten public safety, French investigators recommended Sunday after a yearlong probe into the Germanwings plane crash…The French investigation found that Germanwings co-pilot Andreas Lubitz, who had been treated for depression in the past, had consulted with dozens of doctors in the weeks before he deliberately crashed a jet into the French Alps on March 24, 2015, killing all 150 people on board.”

To read more of the Chicago Tribune report visit http://www.chicagotribune.com/news/nationworld/ct-germanwings-crash-report-20160313-story.html.

The Duty of Airlines to Protect Plane Passengers From Pilot Misconduct

Following the Germanwings plane crash last year, CNN profiled five incidents where the intentional misconduct of plane pilots resulted in serious crashes.

Source: CNN Report “Deliberate acts: 5 cases of pilots intentionally crashing”

“According to the Aviation Safety Network, five commercial plane crashes since 1976 are believed to have been the intentional work of the pilot…The most well-known incident may be the 1999 crash of EgyptAir Flight 990. The 767 jet, en route to Cairo from New York City, made a rapid descent — plunging almost 14,000 feet in 36 seconds — and crashed off the Massachusetts coast.”

To read more visit http://www.cnn.com/2015/03/26/travel/germanwings-crash-death-by-pilot-cases/index.html.

New York aviation attorney Jonathan C. Reiter of the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm PLLC, who obtained substantial damage awards for the families of several passengers killed in the EgyptAir Flight 990 crash says that airlines have a responsibility to take necessary measures to ensure the protection of passengers. According to the New York lawyer, “Commercial airlines in the United States and overseas typically do little if anything to monitor the mental health of their pilots, and rely instead upon the pilot’s medical certificate or the pilot’s self-report of a psychiatric condition that would impair his/her ability to safely pilot the airplane. This system is totally inadequate because the medical examinations are not performed by trained psychiatrists, and pilots are reluctant to self-report mental health issues for fear of being grounded and negatively impacting their careers.”

Additionally, the attorneys says “pilots who may be on the way to a psychotic episode may be unaware of how sick they are. For example there is the case of JetBlue Flight 191 on March 27, 2012 in which the pilot had a psychotic episode and went screaming down the aisle of the plane ranting about Al-Quaeda and a bomb being on board. In that case in which the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm represented 35 passengers who were psychologically traumatized by the pilot’s actions, the airline initially attempted to disclaim responsibility for the pilot’s mental breakdown, although ultimately an amicable settlement was reached to give fair compensation to the passengers. The case did however highlight fatal flaws in the system of preventing mentally ill pilots from causing catastrophic aviation accidents.”

The comments come after the airline made claims that it was unaware of the pilot’s mental health condition, despite records showing he demonstrated having mental health issues in acts exhibited prior. There are various types of airline negligence that could lead to a serious plane crash according to the attorney who has previously said of the issue, “Thousands of fatalities have been linked to airline errors and misconduct over the last decade. Pilot intoxication, fueling aircraft negligence, FAA violations and other maintenance failures are examples of the types of accident causing issues that airlines have been held accountable for in numerous legal cases throughout the U.S.”

The Germanwings plane crash is being investigated by The Bureau d’Enquêtes et d’Analyses pour la Sécurité de l’Aviation Civile (BEA), its German counterpart, the Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Investigation (BFU), and the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigation.

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New York Aviation Lawyer Litigates Injury Case Arising From US Airways Crash

New York based aviation attorney Jonathan C. Reiter has taken on a negligence claim against the major airline stemming from a runway crash in Philadelphia last year.

New York – New York aviation lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter of the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm PLLC is continuing litigation against US Airways over a serious injury crash that occurred in Philadelphia last year. New reports on the crash say an investigation has concluded that pilot error led to the incident, which forced an emergency evacuation of all passengers on board. According to one recent report by the U.K. Daily Mail, “An investigation into the US Airways flight that crashed at Philadelphia International Airport in March… found the two pilots failed to properly prepare the aircraft for takeoff. A Federal Aviation Administration report obtained by NBC10 found the pilots – who have not been named – did not enter velocity speeds into the flight computer.”

Additional reports also say that the botched takeoff resulted in the plane bouncing in the air and slamming onto the runway. The flight was scheduled to travel to Fort Lauderdale from the Philadelphia International Airport on March 13, 2014.

Pilot Error and Plane Passenger Injury

New York lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter is now representing one of the passengers involved in the forced evacuation, who sustained serious injury after striking his shoulder on the ground, while using one of the escape slides during the emergency evacuation. According to a previous news release on the passenger’s injuries, “Mr. Gabbamonte was diagnosed with tears of the left rotator cuff, labrum and biceps tendon caused by the accident. After an unsuccessful course of physical therapy, he underwent arthroscopic surgery of the left shoulder on June 6, 2014. He has, however, remained significantly disabled from the injuries and was unable to continue his employment delivering heavy auto parts.”

Attorney Jonathan C. Reiter, who has been instrumental in successful litigation against multiple major airlines throughout his career, addresses the implications of the recent investigative findings by federal investigators in the news publication, “Pilot Error Caused US Airways Crash That Forced Emergency Evacuation in Philadelphia.” The aviation attorney says that pilot error has been linked to several high profile plane crashes over the last few years and states in the article, “An NTSB specialist said in the factual report that the plane was “in air” for 4 seconds. The decision by the captain to abort takeoff while the plane was in the air already primarily caused the incident.”

With regard to plane crashes involving pilot incompetence or negligence the New York aviation attorney has previously asserted, “Unfortunately, not all pilots act in accordance with outlined safety standards and guidelines, and negligently put their own lives in addition to the lives of others at risk by making poor decisions prior to or while they are operating a plane,” emphasizing that “a failure to maintain situational awareness” is typically a factor in these types of cases.

Individuals seeking more information about aviation incidents like the recent one involving the US Airways flight, or legal options for those who have been impacted by a aviation accident linked to pilot error can visit the blog site of New York lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter at http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/.

Read more on the report, “Pilot Error Caused US Airways Crash That Forced Emergency Evacuation in Philadelphia” here.

Media Contact:
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NYC Medical Malpractice Lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC Top malpractice Verdicts in 2014

New York Personal Injury Attorney Jonathan C. Reiter – Among top malpractice verdicts in 2014 in the U.S.

Source: 16-year-old boy suffers from pneumonia and septic shock. His family rushes him to the emergency room. After being treated at a major hospital in Manhattan, the boy sustains severe brain damage. He cannot walk, live an independent lifestyle or perform many of his everyday activities.

The family turns to New York Medical Malpractice Attorney Jonathan C. Reiter He takes the case to trial and wins over $22 million, one of the largest medical malpractice verdicts in the United States in 2014 as reported by ALM VerdictSearch.

Read the entire story behind a $22.9 Million medical malpractice verdict

Being hurt by a treating physician or medical personnel is serious business. Mistakes made can lead to limitations in your future life. When you seek treatment by a doctor or medical professional you are owed a certain standard of care. If you are injured when a physician chooses a course of treatment that deviates from accepted standard medical treatment, and you are harmed as a result of that treatment, you may be a victim of medical malpractice. It may be the case that you need a lawyer to help you gain the compensation you need to receive the assistance necessary to overcome the pain and suffering you endured, and to be able to afford the services you require as you lead your life going forward.

Media can contact New York City medical malpractice Lawyer, Attorney Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC, at 866-324-9211 or can visit www.jcreiterlaw.com. Serving Manhattan, Staten Island, Queens, Brooklyn, and the Bronx, as well as Suffolk County & Nassau County on Long Island, Westchester County, Rockland County, and throughout the State of New York.
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Questions Remain Following Alaska Plane Crash

TransAsia Airways Crash Caused by Pilot Error, Authorities Conclude

According to recent reports, Taiwan’s aviation authorities have concluded pilot error was the cause of the crash of Flight GE222, which occurred in 2014.

After several months of investigation, new reports say that pilot error was the cause of the crash of TransAsia Airways Flight GE222, which occurred in July of 2014. Aviation authorities in Taiwan recently said a procedural mistake that was a widespread occurrence among TransAsia pilots at the time endangered the safety of passengers and crew.

Source: AFP Report “Pilots blamed for 2014 TransAsia crash on Taiwan island”

“Two TransAsia Airways pilots caused a 2014 plane crash that left 48 people dead by flying too low as they attempted to land on an island during a typhoon, Taiwan’s aviation authorities said Friday…Taiwan’s aviation body said the pilots flew below the minimum altitude required in poor visibility caused by Typhoon Matmo on July 23, 2014, in its final report into the airline’s second fatal accident in a year.”

To read more visit http://news.yahoo.com/pilots-blamed-2014-transasia-crash-taiwan-island-083835780.html;_ylt=AwrC2Q6as69WbXEA8IfQtDMD;_ylu=X3oDMTByOHZyb21tBGNvbG8DYmYxBHBvcwMxBHZ0aWQDBHNlYwNzcg–.

The Aviation Safety Council stated in their investigative report, “An airworthy aircraft under the control of the flight crew was flown unintentionally into terrain with limited awareness by the crew of the aircraft’s proximity to terrain.” Council director Thomas Wang elaborated further when speaking to reporters saying, “We found the pilots did not follow the standard operating procedure.”

The crash has been deemed the worst air disaster to occur near the island in a decade. Another fatal accident involving a TransAsia Airways flight occurred just seven months after the crash of Flight GE222. Flight 235 crashed into the Keelung River shortly after takeoff Taipei Songshan Airport on February 4, 2015. The crash was also linked to pilot error.

Source: Jonathan C. Reiter Report “4 Headline-Making Plane Crashes Caused by Pilot Error”

“Crash of TransAsia Flight 235 – One of the aircraft’s engines experienced a flameout soon after takeoff from Taipei Songshan Airport, on February 4, 2015. The pilot then mistakenly shut off the engine that was functioning correctly, leaving the plane powerless. His subsequent attempt to restart both engines was unsuccessful, resulting in the plane clipping a bridge and crashing into the Keelung River. A reported 43 of the 58 people on board were killed.

To read more visit http://injuryaccidentnews.jcreiterlaw.com/2015/12/03/4-headline-making-plane-crashes-caused-by-pilot-error/.

Plane Crashes and Pilot Error

According to New York based aviation attorney Jonathan C. Reiter of the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC, pilot error is found to be a contributing factor to 90 percent of all general aviation accidents. The New York lawyer has previously said of related incidents “Many of the most serious pilot errors in recent years have involved a failure to maintain “situational awareness. This term can refer to many things, including failing to properly monitor instruments, gauges and controls on the aircraft, as well as external factors such as weather conditions and other aviation traffic.”

The attorney has also stated, “Failure to observe the sterile cockpit rule e.g. pilots engaging in personal, non-aviation related conversation during takeoff and landing, has also been a significant factor in several aviation crashes, since this behavior undermines pilot concentration and can detract from situational awareness during the most dangerous parts of the flight.”

Media Contact:

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Indonesia Accident-Plagued Aviation Industry Ranks Lowest on Safety List

New York aviation attorney says a new report ranks Indonesia airlines as the worst with regard to safety.

With a relatively high number of accidents reported in the last few years, Indonesian airlines have been ranked as the lowest in the world for safety. New York aviation attorney Jonathan C. Reiter of the Jonathan C. Reiter Law Firm, PLLC reports that a recent list published by AirlineRatings.com shows that of the 407 of the world’s major airlines surveyed, Indonesia’s aviation industry scored the lowest on the safety scale.

Source: The Age Report “Indonesian airlines rank lowest in world for safety”

“Indonesia’s accident-plagued aviation industry has more airlines with the lowest safety ranking than any other country in the world according to an annual survey…The plane safety rating website AirlineRatings.com surveyed 407 of the world’s major airlines, giving each a safety score out of seven.”

To read more visit http://www.theage.com.au/world/indonesian-airlines-rank-lowest-in-world-for-safety-20160106-gm0hx4.html.

According to the survey, there were 10 airlines that scored only one point or less, and nine of them were from Indonesia. The rating system relies on a number of factors including audits from governing bodies in the aviation industry and the fatality records of airlines.

In 2015, Indonesia saw a string of accidents including a Trigana Air plane crash that killed 54 people.

Source: BBC Report “Indonesia plane crash: Remains of 54 dead found in Papua”

“Indonesian rescuers have recovered the remains of 54 people who died onboard a Trigana Air plane that crashed in Papua region on Sunday. The head of the search and rescue agency said his team had found the aircraft completely destroyed and partially burnt.”

To read more visit http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-33970184.

In the previous year, 162 people died in an Indonesia AirAsia plane crash into the Java Sea. AirlineRatings.com editor Geoffrey Thomas said of the survey results “Aviation is critical to the economic development of Indonesia yet the government appears unwilling or incapable of meeting its international obligations by upgrading its oversight of its airline industry.”

Thomas further stated “Also many Indonesian airports don’t meet international standards while navigation aids in some locations don’t work or are sub optimal.”

Most of the airlines in Indonesia are reportedly banned from flying within the European Union.

When Airlines Fail in Their Responsibility

According to New York aviation lawyer Jonathan C. Reiter, airline negligence or error has been a factor in a number of plane crashes that have occurred over the course of the last decade. Says the attorney “when airlines fail in their responsibility to follow strict safety rules and regulations, and people are hurt because of it, they may be subject to fines, penalties, and lawsuits being brought against them.”

The attorney has also said “Thousands of fatalities have been linked to airline errors and misconduct over the last decade. Pilot intoxication, fueling aircraft negligence, FAA violations and other maintenance failures are examples of the types of accident causing issues that airlines have been held accountable for in numerous legal cases throughout the U.S. Survivors and families of victims of commercial airline crashes have legal options when it comes to ensuring that airlines are held accountable for their negligence when they have suffered damages as a result.”

According to The Age report on airline safety rankings, the United States Federal Aviation Administration has also determined that the Directorate General of Civil Aviation, which oversees air carrier operations in Indonesia is not in compliance with international safety standards.

Media Contact:
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