Introduction
Safety improvements in the cockpit and airport operations are important because they can help to prevent accidents from occurring. In the cockpit, safety improvements can include things like adding new technology that helps pilots to more easily monitor their surroundings or ensuring that all crew members are properly trained to handle any potential emergencies. In airport operations, safety improvements can include things like air passengers checkpoints, and installing new systems that help to manage traffic flow or detailed inspection to ensure that aircraft are in good condition to function. By making these types of safety improvements, they can help to ensure that everyone who travels by air is as safe as possible. Cockpit voice recorders, flight data recorders, crash-resistant airframe design, improved cabin-pressure systems, air traffic control systems, and aircraft safety inspections are the safety improvements that have been made in cockpit and airport operations.
Safety Improvements in Cockpit and Airport Operations
Cockpit voice recorders (CVRs) have dramatically improved aircraft safety by providing an accurate, real-time account of flight crew actions and decisions. Before the installation of CVRs, investigations into aircraft accidents were often hampered by a lack of accurate information. As a result, crucial decisions or mistakes that may have led to the accident could not be determined with certainty (Mitchell et al., 2007). In some cases, entire flights were deemed suspicious because no record existed of what occurred during the flight. Since the advent of CVRs, however, such accidents have been greatly reduced in number. Recording conversations and other sounds in the cockpit help accident investigators understand what happened, identify systemic problems, and make recommendations to prevent future accidents. The use of CVRs began in the 1970s, and they have become essential tools in aviation safety. They are now required on all commercial passenger flights worldwide (Mitchell et al., 2007). CVRs provide critical information to accident investigators that can help determine what happened and why. This information can then be used to make recommendations to improve safety and prevent future accidents.
Flight data recorders, also known as “black boxes”, have improved safety in aircraft operations by providing clear and concise recordings of all aspects of a flight. The first flight data recorder was introduced in 1963, and they have since become mandatory on all commercial aircraft. This information can be used to investigate accidents and improve safety protocols. Black boxes provide a detailed account of an aircraft’s performance, from engine data to altitude and airspeed readings (Mitchell et al., 2007). This information can help investigators determine why an aircraft crashed or had problems during take-off or landing. Aircraft operations are also improved with the use of black boxes. In the event of an accident on the ground, investigators can review the data to determine what went wrong and how they can prevent it from happening again.
Since the 1970s, when passengers began flying in ever-increasing numbers, commercial airliner manufacturers have been seeking to decrease the probability of fatal aircraft accidents. They achieve this by building structures that were designed to better withstand the forces experienced during a crash. This means that in the event of an accident, there is less likelihood of the aircraft being destroyed, and passengers are more likely to survive. This buildup of safety redundancy came to be known as “crashworthiness.” As a response to crashes involving failsafe systems and crew resource management (CRM) deficiencies, newer generations of airliners incorporate even more versions of this standby equipment and procedures. As stowaways and hijackings increased in the late 20th century, cockpit doors were fortified and locked during flight (Mitchell et al., 2007). In addition, crash-resistant airframes have enabled operators to develop new procedures for evacuating aircraft in an emergency. These procedures are typically much safer than those that were used in the past, and they can help to reduce the risk of injury or death during an accident.
Cabin pressure systems play a vital role in ensuring the safety of aircraft. By keeping the air pressure inside the cabin at a constant level, these systems help to prevent crew and passengers from suffering from hypoxia, a condition where the body is deprived of oxygen. In recent years, there have been significant improvements in cabin-pressure system technology (Mitchell et al., 2007). For example, newer aircraft are now equipped with automatic pressurization controllers, which maintain a consistent cabin pressure regardless of the altitude at which the plane is flying. Cabin pressurization is achieved by pumping air into the cabin through an outflow valve at the back of the plane. This regulated inflow of air maintains a higher cabin pressure than the atmospheric pressure outside, providing a comfortable and safe environment for passengers and crew.
The air traffic control system (ATC) has greatly improved safety in aircraft operations by using a system of separation. This system uses time, distance, and altitude to keep aircraft safely separated from each other. Air traffic controllers use radar and radio communication to help pilots maintain their positions in the sky. Aircraft are also equipped with transponders that allow controllers to easily track them on radar screens (Mitchell et al., 2007). By using a system of separation, air traffic controllers can keep aircraft at safe distances from each other and avoid any potential collisions. Automated features such as collision avoidance systems and auto-landing capabilities help lessen the workload of controllers and pilots alike, reducing the chances for human error (Mitchell et al., 2007). ATC system tracks aircraft via radar; this feature allows controllers to keep tabs on where every plane is at all times and helps them direct traffic safely and efficiently.
Aircraft safety inspections are a vital part of ensuring safe aircraft operations. All aircraft parts and systems must be inspected regularly to ensure they are in good working order. This helps to prevent potential safety hazards from occurring (Mitchell et al., 2007). Many different types of aircraft safety inspections can be performed, such as visual checks, computerized scans, and physical testing of components. Each type of inspection has its benefits and drawbacks, but all of them contribute to a safer overall flying experience. Visual checks are perhaps the most common type of inspection and involve simply looking at the exterior and interior of the aircraft for any signs of damage or wear. This can be done by flight crews during pre-flight checks.
Conclusion
In conclusion, there have been several improvements that have been made in cockpit and airport operations to ensure aircraft safety in the past 50 years. Air traffic control systems help pilots maintain their position in the air as well as prevent aircraft collisions. Cockpit voice recorders and flight data recorders provide real-time flight accounts, thus helping the investigators in determining the accident causes and thus being able to propose safety measures in the future. Crash-resistant airframe design has helped in designing structures that greatly bear aircraft crashing forces. Conversely, aircraft safety inspections are essential in ensuring all aircraft parts are in good condition. Improved cabin-pressure systems prevent cases of hypoxia by passengers and crews.
Reference
Mitchell, K., Sholy, B., & Stolzer, A. J. (2007). General aviation aircraft flight operations quality assurance: overcoming the obstacles. IEEE Aerospace and Electronic Systems Magazine, 22(6), 1-15.