#aviation accident recovery

[townpostin]

Chandil Dam Aircraft Search Continues for Fifth Day

Navy and NDRF teams face challenges in locating Alchemist Aviation’s sunken trainee plane The search for Alchemist Aviation’s trainee aircraft in Chandil Dam enters its fifth day without significant progress. JAMSHEDPUR – A joint team of Indian Navy and NDRF personnel continues the search for Alchemist Aviation’s sunken trainee aircraft in Chandil Dam, Seraikela-Kharsawan district. The search…

[youzicha]

Normal Accidents

📖Charles Perrow, Normal accidents: living with high-risk technologies, 1984. Second edition 1999.

The Title

This is another example of a book that lives on its title, a great racket which works like this:

Find a proposition which many people would like to be true. E.g., Nations are fake and don't exist except in people's imagination. Victorian doctors used vibrators as a treatment for hysteria. Computer programming used to be gender-balanced and then male programmers took over. There's no way to run a nuclear power plant without accidents.

Find a catchy phrase that strongly hints at the proposition without outright stating it.

Write a few hundred pages of text: long enough that plausibly somewhere in there could be convincing evidence of proposition X, and someone would have to spend a whole day reading to find out whether there is or not.

Congratulations, you are set for life.

The Theory

The book theorizes that there is a particularly intractable type of accident which it calls “system accidents”. They are different from simple component failure accidents and happen in systems that are “complex” and “tightly coupled”. It classifies systems on two axes: a system is “linear” if each subsystem mostly interacts with one subsystem in front and one after (like an assembly-line factory) or “complex” if the subsystems all interact with each other, and it is “tightly” coupled if each subsystem immediately affects the other one without room for recovery.

Perrow then reads a bunch of accident investigation reports from different industries (nuclear, chemical, airlines, maritime, etc) and highlights interactions and coupling. The whole book produces this diagram:

From this we conclude… what exactly? Maybe that system accidents are important, and we should pay attention to them? Or slightly stronger, that there are more accidents in the upper-right quadrant than in the other ones? A big problem is that Perrow never says precisely what he is trying to prove and doesn't apply any objective measures.  I would want to count the number of accidents in different industries, and compare the ratio of system/non-system ones, or compare the absolute numbers, but Perrow just relates a sampling of accidents and says that they are illustrative.

Whether these accidents really are good illustrations of "system accidents" seems to depend a lot on the spin he puts on them. The classification into complex versus linear seems very hand-wavy. In one example of aviation, which is supposedly complex, "even after bailing out … there was room for the unexpected interaction" because the pilot was hit on the head by the falling ejection seat. By contrast the mining industry is assigned the center of the linear-complex axis, and one example concerns a worker who walked under a conveyor belt—and got hit on the head. Basically the same accident can be glossed as interactive or not.

Or how about this airplane accident:

The next accident, an account of problems with a four-engine corporate jet, the Lockheed Jet Star Model 1329, is more prosaic, but it gives some idea of the world of corporate jets and involves a system accident, unusual risks, and a safety change that was responsible for killing eight people. The safety improvement involved new, solid state units in the generator control units and new wiring. The airplane was flight-tested after installation and one generator failed. Repairs were made. In the next test flight, all four generators failed at one time or another, and were manually reset during flight. [Two weeks later] The plane crashed a mile short of the runway […] The NTSB is not certain of the proximate cause of the crash […] The example strongly suggests a system accident

It is typical of the book: there are no statistics showing that system accidents are common, only isolated examples, and in this example he doesn't even know what caused the accident!

(Later in the book the level of rigor goes down even further. For accidents in space, instead of reading accident investigation reports Perrow says "I am drawing here on the immensely entertaining, and exceptionally perceptive book by Tom Wolfe, The Right Stuff." Then for accidental war the discussion is based on Dr. Strangelove. And then he turns to DNA technology, which "appears to be complex in its interactions and tightly coupled, but I caution the reader that I know even less about it than I do about nuclear weapon systems." Thanks.)

But the actual central claim that Perrow wants to conclude is something even stronger than that systems accidents are common: he says that there is no way to prevent them. Thus the final chapter says that we should only accept complex-coupled systems if accidents have acceptably small consequences, and otherwise we must replace them with safer alternatives. In particular Perrow wants to get rid of nuclear power; the book started as an anti-nuclear pamphlet written after the Three Mile Island accident. But it seems quite hopeless to prove this impossibility by just reading accident reports.

So the book has much talk about catastrophic risk, but very few testable predictions. In fact, I could only find two. First, there is this paragraph about airline accidents:

With millions of operating years of experience, repeated trials, tests without catastrophic consequences, and considerable government support, the industry has been able to maximize the potential for technological fixes, including buffers and redundancies. Two engines are better than one; four better than two; the jet engine less complex than the piston engine; and of course the industry makes use of exotic new materials and instrumentation. System accidents in flying will remain, but they have been reduced substantially. […] The safety of both automobile travel and airline travel (and military and general aviation as well) has increased dramatically in this century, but since the 1960s and 1970s the safety curve has flattened out; we appear to be in the area where further increases are very hard to achieve.

It seems to say that airline accidents first fell quickly because we solved the issue of component failures, and now will fall no more because the rest is intractable systems accidents.

Second, there's this nicely unambiguous paragraph:

I would expect a worse accident than TMI in ten years—one that will kill and contaminate. […] There will be more system accidents; according to my analysis, there have to be. One or more will include a release of radioactive substances to the environment in quantities sufficient to kill many people, irradiate others, and poison some acres of land. There is no organizational structure that we would or should tolerate that could prevent it. None of our existing reactors has a design capable of preventing system accidents. Perhaps a safe one will be discovered—loosely coupled and linear—but I am doubtful.

Forty years later, there has not been any accidents in American nuclear power plants, so the analysis seems nicely refuted. The airplane accidents also did not come through. The trend in the 20th century was that the accident rate halved every 10 years:

And based on this data the same trend remained. From 1983-1989 to 1990-1999 the deaths per departure halved, from 1990-1999 to 2000-2009 they halved again, and from 2000-2009 to 2010-2017 it decreased even faster.

As it happens, there's a second edition from 1999 with a retrospective afterword, and it talks about how warmly the book was received while skipping over the fact that its predictions were wrong. It says “Commercial jet disasters are at approximately the same (low) level as in 1984, per departure” (no), and “of course we had Chernobyl”. But Chernobyl was not one of the American power plants whose incident reports the prediction was based on, and also it was not a systems accident. There was only one relevant subsystem, the core, and only one relevant parameter, the power output.

The second edition also adds a chapter about the Y2K problem, which could be "a test of the robustness and applicatory scope" of the Normal Accident Theory. While officials are optimistic, those Y2K plans are "fantasy documents" and there could be disaster whose "potential scale and scope dwarfs all other 'normal accidents' discussed in the book". (Notably one of the scenarios discussed in the book is a global nuclear war.) Having seen the actual outcome of Y2K, I think the robustness and applicatory scope comes across as well here as in the other cases.

Annoyances

So the theory seems dubious and the conclusions wrong, but that on its own would not make me write this long screed. What really gets to me is two annoying tics in the writing. First, constant smugness. The style matters because most of the book consists of summaries of accident investigations, and although they are supposed to illustrate his "normal accident theory", in practice he is mostly just writing descriptions without any particular theoretical angle. Of course I love reading accident reports too, but these days you can get all the pdfs you can read at the click of a mouse button, which raises the question what Perrow adds over the source material. And the main difference is that he thinks he is smarter than everybody else, and lets us know so through constant asides.

First, he is smarter than the reader. The first chapter, about the TMI accident, reassures us that it "will be the most demanding technological account in the book, but even a general sense of the complexity will suffice if one wishes to merely follow the drama rather than the technical evolution of the accident." Don't worry your pretty little head, Perrow is here to explain things. This tendency is even more annoying when he doesn't understand what he is explaining. He does not know what the word envelope means, and then projects his own confusion by saying that this aspect of flying has "poorly understood dynamics".

Second, he is smarter than the accident investigation board, and takes random snipes at them. A random board member in a press conference mentions a “remote possibility”, which Perrow jumps on. He comments that in marine accidents "the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) do what they can. But they can do little in this error-inducing system. […] It can happen. It is bound to. The recommendations are futile." I guess his methodology forces him to take this polemical tone, because all he is doing is reading accident investigation reports, so if he didn't complain, there would be nothing added by his descriptions.

In fact, he is smarter than just about anyone, and happy to share his observations even if they are not related to the accidents at all, e.g. “the approach to the Westchester Airport goes right over an interstate highway with one of those curious signs with the fruitless warning: ‘watch out for low flying aircraft’”.

I think this is a general hazard with writing about nuclear policy: both the pro- and anti-sides seem to have a lot of very smug people. I think for me the biggest takeaway from this book was that I should try to tone it down in my own writing.

The other annoyance is that Perrow never mentions any numbers, even in situations that really cry out for them. For example, there are many mentions of plutonium, in criticality accidents or when it was accidentally released from the Oak Ridge National Laboratory. An article says “‘in all plutonium incidents to date, only a small fraction of the plutonium involved was released.’ That is like saying that in a war, only a small fraction of the bullets kill anyone.” A Titan ICBM can “literally go off with the drop of a workman’s wrench and possibly release plutonium”.

And beyond these local accidents, in 1964 there was a “cosmic” one: “Most of the failures of the space program have not been death-dealing, and if they were, they were limited to first-party victims—the astronauts or technicians. However, in three cases of failures with plutonium power packs, the risks are potentially catastrophic, since plutonium is perhaps the most deadly substance known to humans. … a navigational satellite sent up in 1964 that failed to achieve orbit when its rocket engine failed. It reentered the atmosphere over the Indian Ocean and distributed 1 kilogram of plutonium-238 about the earth.”

Like, at this point surely you’d want to know how many people were actually killed? From looking around on google a bit, it seems the 1964 satellite may have caused two hundred cancer deaths if you assume the cancer risk scales linearly to extremely small radiation doses. (And it prompted a change in policy to no longer let plutonium burn up in the atmosphere.) To me this kind of number seems essential to judge how catastrophic the accident is.

Another example where the numbers are lacking:

The price of electricity from nuclear power plants does not reflect the very large government subsidies, nor the costs of the unsolved problem of long-term waste storage, nor even the unknown costs of dismantling reactors after their forty allotted years, if they run that long. Had all these been properly considered in the 1950s and included in the cost, this book would have not been written because no utility would have ordered a plant.

This claim is not cited to anything. I believe that people were in fact considering this, but in any case the costs are now known: the long-term waste storage came to 0.41 cent/kWh and the dismantling to 0.24 cents/kWh. Meanwhile electricity prices have varied between 19 cents/kWh and 13 cents/kWh (in 2020 dollars), so the waste + decommissioning costs are a rounding error in comparison to other factors.

At some point he says that “you are good at counting while I (as I tell my quantitative colleagues) don’t count”, but really, you live like this?

Coal versus nuclear

Perry spends most of the book talking about the risk from nuclear power plants. But what is the alternative? In the introduction he says

There is no technological imperative that says we must have power or weapons from nuclear fission or fusion, or that we must create and loose upon the earth organisms that will devour our oil spills. We could reach for, and grasp, solar power or safe coal-fired plants

And then he doesn’t mention those coal plants again until the final chapter. But as he was writing, American coal plants were killing 30,000 people/year. Compared to the deaths from cancer, that corresponds to multiple Chernobyl accidents every year. Does he not know this?

Actually he includes a final chapter about “current risk assessment theory”, where he notes that fossil fuel plants kill a lot more people than nuclear power, but nuclear power provokes more “dread” and “the public’s fears must be treated with respect”. I feel this would be more convincing if Perrow had not spent an entire book trying to stoke that fear.

He gives a more operational description of “dread risk”: “lack of control, high fatalities and catastrophic potential, inequitable distribution of risks and benefits, and the sense that these risks are increasing and cannot be easily reduced by technological fixes”. I think this still doesn’t distinguish the coal pollution and nuclear accidents very well. Neither is controllable, the particulate emissions and the radioactivity both drift with the wind, the parties that take the risk and benefits are the same for both, and the “sense” that technological fixes don’t work is illusory.

Of course, nowadays we know that coal has has another drawback besides the particulate pollution, and this is mentioned in a single paragraph, literally in parentheses!

(One enormous risk which the industrialized nations may be facing is not considered in this book on normal accidents; eliminating this ill would require much more drastic measures than any of the above: This is the problem of carbon dioxide produced from deforestation primarily, but also from burning fossil fuels such as coal, oil, and wood. This threatens to create a greenhouse effect, warming the temperature of the planet, melting the ice caps, and probably causing an incredible number of other changes, most of them disastrous. If it is significant—the experts do not agree—we may have a few decades to handle this; but it may be too late. It is one of the strongest cards the nuclear addicts can play, though the enormity of the problem, by some accounts, would dwarf the capacities of nuclear industry. We would have to divert our energy and natural resources from much of industry and use it to build nuclear plants for the next generation to meet some estimates. Battalions of scientists, engineers, and operators would have to be recruited and trained, and so on.)

Conclusion

This book is frequently cited (I have even seen tumblr users refer to it), and I think it’s considered a classic, so I was very disappointed. Let’s mark it as another mistake of the 20th century and forget all about it.

[justinspoliticalcorner]

Chris Stein, Joseph Gedeon and Oliver Milman at The Guardian:

A collision on Wednesday between an American Airlines jet and a US military helicopter near Washington DC has killed all 67 people onboard both aircraft, in the United States’ worst aviation disaster in years. The incident occurred at about 9pm as the passenger plane was on approach to land at Reagan National airport from Wichita, Kansas. Operated by the regional carrier PSA Airlines as American Eagle flight 5342, the jet was carrying 60 passengers and four crew members, and collided with a US army helicopter with three soldiers onboard, sending both into the Potomac River. “This was a dark and excruciating night in our nation’s capital and in our nation’s history, and a tragedy of terrible proportions,” Donald Trump told reporters at the White House on Thursday. “As one nation, we grieve for every precious soul that has been taken from us so suddenly.” It was the first fatal commercial airline crash in the US since 2009, according to Sean Duffy, the newly confirmed transportation secretary who was sworn into office the day before the crash. He added that he believed the incident was “preventable”. The defense secretary, Pete Hegseth, said the helicopter involved carried “a fairly experienced crew” based at Fort Belvoir in Virginia that was conducting a “required annual night evaluation”. “They did have night vision goggles,” Hegseth said, adding that an investigative team had already been deployed to the crash site and that it would determine whether the aircraft was in the corridor and at the right altitude at the time of the incident. “It’s a tragedy, a horrible loss of life,” he said. Trump, who was sworn into the presidency last week, alternated between consoling the nation and seeking to use the crash for political gain. At his press conference, he argued that changes made under Joe Biden to requirements for hiring air traffic controllers may have been a factor in the accident.

[...] Several of the victims were in Wichita for a development camp hosted by US figure skating, according to the Skating Club of Boston, which released the names of its six skaters, coaches and family members who were onboard the jet.

Sad sight all around, as no survivors are expected in Wednesday night’s mid-air collision in the Potomac River in DC.

See Also:

HuffPost: No Survivors Expected After Passenger Jet Crashes With Helicopter Near DC Airport: Officials

AP: Everyone aboard an American Airlines jet that collided with an Army helicopter is feared dead

[rainyrambles-overcod]

daily art: once again ‘Tis Percy 💖

Do I know how to draw Nikolai? No absolutely I do not. This looks nothing like him. Just…idk. Pretend it does

some basic lore, that y’all are more than welcome to ask for me to expand upon or ask about in general (⚠️Cw: descriptions of injury)

side note: I know very little about the us air force or medical jargon so pls excuse any inaccuracies 😪

She is American, but was born in Portugal. Her parents immigrated when she was a baby, faking having had her in America so that she could have an American birth certificate.

Raised in Florida, having been surrendered shortly after her parents’ arrival (she was maybe 7 months old at the time) and adopted fairly early on.

Had an interest in robots, engineering, and mechanical engineering from age 9 with a store bought robotics kit, to high school. She graduates a year early, attending college at age 17. She pursued mechanical engineering for two years in college, as well, until she joined the air force at 20 after her parents’ sudden deaths in an auto accident.

Starts out wanting to work on the aircraft as a mechanic’s assistant, but her testing scores upon entry place her in the likelihood of actual pilot training, which she is encouraged to pursue. About 3 years later, after passing selection and completing her UPT, she’s assigned the solo helo slot and shipped out of state to an army base to complete her aviation training.

Fast forward about 4 years, she’s 27, and sent with her lieutenant on a test recovery run at an air force base in an undisclosed location in the northeast us. However, unbeknownst to Percy, the lieutenant she’d been sent out with had some difficulties with his superiors. Things were discovered that were never supposed to be found, painting someone in a higher chair in a really bad light. So, naturally, the lieutenant ended up with a target on his back. Percy, unfortunately, is just collateral damage.

The helicopter they’d been sent out on had been tampered with, and since Percy wasn’t the one running the initial quality check, she had no idea until they were suddenly going down.

Luckily, neither one had died from the impact, but both were injured. This is how Percy got most of her scars, including the one over her face, and the lieutenant ended up paralysed from the waist down. Her c-7 cervical nerves were damaged, but the injury being largely focused in the one spot meant that it could be surgically ’corrected,’ in a sense. She still has some trouble fully extending her left arm, but she has all the basic motor functions of the upper body. She is able to walk, talk, all that, but breathing can sometimes be difficult if she isn’t careful and overly exerts herself, and she cannot lift heavy objects. She was medically discharged, as was the lieutenant, both with honours because the incident ended up outing the command who’d been found out by the lieutenant.

more lore to come with tomorrow’s post of my bby 🫶😙

[filmtv2022]

Moving Forward: Chapter Three

(18+ MDNI)

Previous Chapter Next Chapter

Masterlist

Pairing: Bradley 'Rooster' Bradshaw x Kazansky!Reader

Synopsis: The first day of training goes just about as poorly as one could expect when Y/N and Jake get paired up to fly together. Events from the past prove to be problematic even in the present as Y/N an Jake struggle to find a way to work together after a shared tragedy ruined so much for both of them. Bradley, lost as to how to navigate the situation, tries to help, but finds himself in rough waters with his former best friend (reader).

Warnings: language + injury recovery + reference to past accident of some kind

A/N: Well... I don't know if anyone cares about this story anymore (it's been ages since I updated), but I promised myself that this year I'd write what I wanted and what felt good. I finally had the inspiration to return to this story, and I'm glad I did. Here's to hoping that I can keep going with this story. As always, I apologize for any mistakes.

-------------------------------------------------------------

The roar of jet engines tearing through the sky refocused you on the present but did little to settle your nerves. You paced quietly along the back side of the room, your eyes glancing over the sea of pictures that covered it. There was one in particular that caught your attention. You’d seen a copy of this one many times before as it hung from the wall of your father’s office. Running your fingertips over the frame, you easily found the familiar faces captured amongst the rows of aviators. The youthful smiles of Maverick, Goose, and your father warmed your heart. But there was always a level of sadness and wondering tacked onto the love and admiration. What would things have been like if Goose was still alive? 

“All right, next up we have Kazansky and Seresin.” Hondo’s commanding voice called into the room. 

Ignoring the snide comments Jake continued to throw in your direction you made your way down to the tarmac. Your pre-flight checks took you past Rooster who sat catching his breath after pounding out his 200 hundred push-ups. His eyes caught the other aviator who followed a good distance behind, and a surge of worry tightened in his chest as he saw that it was Hangman. Taking advantage of the fact that Jake wouldn’t be able to hear, he shouted a word of warning. 

“Watch your back up there, Kazansky.” 

“Worry about yourself, Bradshaw.” 

Bradley’s retort was lost in the sound of engines flaring overhead, leaving you to pound further down the tarmac toward your jet. Following the proper protocol, you entered the pilot’s seat, the heat rolling off the dark pavement already had sweat pooling along your hairline. Sliding into a seated position, the ever-present ache in your hip flashed anew, sending shooting pain along the outside of your leg. The air caught in your chest and forced you to close your eyes and breathe through the spasm. 

 Knowing you could no longer put it off, your heart fluttered wildly as your trembling hands flipped switches without thinking. The motions were second nature even after all this time away. Things moved quickly and then there was nothing more you could check, it was time. Pushing back from your spot, you were given radio clearance to take your place on the runway. With one final go-ahead from the tower, you were off, barreling down the tarmac and into the sky. 

Hanging as low as the hard deck would allow, you watched and waited to see what Hangman would do, his slippery nature in the air was a well-known hazard. For the time being, he stayed a reasonable distance above you as if getting too close would cause him to falter. Eventually, even he got antsy as signs of Maverick remained non-existent. Unwilling to wait it out, Jake peeled off into the sun where you lost track of him visually.

“And there he goes. Typical, Seresin.” 

“Feelin’ lonely, Riot? There’s plenty of room up here if you’re willing to get up off your safety blanket.”

“Screw you, Bagman.” 

Jakes, hard laughter poured through the comms. It didn’t take long for Pete to catch up to him, the two were locked in a battle of speed and wits. Continuing to listen in silence, you heard the banter between the captain and Hangman as Pete closed in on the younger pilot. 

“Riot, where the hell are you?! Get him off my tail?!”

“I’m not the one who flew away from my wingman, Seresin. You need some help, you know where to find me.” 

Lightening fast, Jake swept back into view with Maverick hot on his tail. They were flying toward you from the rear, the aim was clearly to utilize the blaring sun to blind you until the last second, but you knew Pete and Jake too well. 

Breathing slowly you heard Maverick aim at Hangman, hitting his target with exacting precision. Now it was just you and Mav. The rest of the world fell away with the remaining nerves that’d kept you glued in place. This left you free to calculate when to move. Unwilling to rush the process, you waited patiently, biding your time. The only change to your flight path was a gradual upward movement to gain enough altitude to maneuver safely. Clocking his final approach you pulled back hard as the whining tone of an approaching jet poured into your headset. Lifting your jet up and over Maverick’s left you in the perfect position to take the shot. Without hesitation you connected, your aim sure and true. 

“That’s a kill! How you feelin’ old man? Had enough yet?” 

Maverick’s laughter filled your ears as he caught his breath, “Jesus, Kazansky where the hell did ya learn that?”

“It’s straight out of your playbook, Mav.” 

“Remind me to send an apology to your father for teaching you that.” 

“Don’t worry, he already knows you’re a terrible influence.” 

“Yeah, yeah. Get yourself down to that tarmac.” 

“You got it, captain. Also, Mav?”

“Yes, Riot?”

“Take ‘er easy with those push-ups. We wouldn’t want to have to call in a medic to scrape your ass off the pavement, now would we?” 

Another bout of barking laughter tore through the comms. Still a little hazy, you found your way back to the runway and proceeded to move through the end-of-flight procedures. The adrenaline wore off more quickly than you hoped, leaving behind the nasty ache of still-healing injuries. With everything in working order, you gingerly reported back to the ready room. The audible buzz from inside the space was evident even before the door was open. The thrill of it pulled a meek smile from deep within even as your steadiness waned.

 Shoving the door open with your good hip, you fought against the bone-deep exhaustion. The rest of the crew erupted into enthusiastic congratulations. The rough pats on your back were far too aggressive given the lack of familiarity. Each touch jolted your body, leaving you more desperate to sit down. Everything was stilted and stiff as your body screamed. Simply walking sent shock waves through your nervous system. Masking it as best you could, you nearly collapsed into one of the more cushioned seats and rested your head against your hand. Waiting out the spasms, your eyes shut tight in a feeble attempt to block out the rest of the world. Still keyed up, the rest of the crew flew back to the window in the hope of catching Maverick in the thick of his “punishment”. 

Across the room, Bradley looked your way for the first time since your interaction on the tarmac. What others had easily passed off as exhaustion, he saw through immediately. You were suffering… in more ways than one. The tension in your body paired with the furrow of your eyebrows was more than enough to clue him in. He’d seen that look of anguish only a few times before, but the sight of it was burned into his memory. Breaking away from the group, Bradley started in your direction, but the jarring smack of metal against drywall rang through the room freezing him in place. 

Tearing his focus from you, he watched as Hangman stormed into the room. His helmet was held in his outstretched hand as his attention fell directly on you. 

“What the fuck was that Riot?” 

“Not now, Jake… please.” Your eyes remained shut in the hopes that it would calm his tantrum.

“No! You don’t get to slide out of this one, Kazansky! Your bullshit cost me up there. If this had been anything other than training, I’d be dead.” Jake’s eyes narrowed as he took another step closer. His shadow now loomed over your body, “But then again, that’s just your style isn’t Y/N… who cares who you bury, as long as you come out on top, isn’t that right?” 

Your eyes snapped open, fury glimmered in your steely gaze. Rushing to your feet, you ignored the screaming throb in your hip and knee as your hands came up, hard and fast reaching for Jake. Making contact with his chest, you pushed with every ounce of strength you could muster, sending him back a few steps as your voice cracked, “You don’t know what the fuck you’re talking about Seresin!” 

Taking a quick step past him, determined to extricate yourself from this situation as fast as possible, the tug of Jake’s hand on your wrist had you turning on him. A rabid look took over your features, pinning him into place. Letting go of you, he spoke quickly, his volume continuing to rise as he fired more shots across the bow.

“Really?! Because I think I know better than every goddamn person in this room! Do you want to tell ‘em or should I? Because they deserve to know just what kind of coward they’re flying with.” 

“Fuck off, Bagman!” stepping back into his space you once again reached for Jake, but your movement was cut off. 

Seeing that unhinged look in your eyes, Bradley had moved out of pure instinct to your side, his hands closing around your biceps as he hauled you back from the edge of something you were sure to regret.

“Y/N, stop.” 

Prying yourself from Rooster’s grasp, you whirled around, snarling at him, “Stay the hell out of this Bradshaw.” Bradley’s normally stoic face flinched almost imperceptibly at your words. 

Wasting no time, you turned back to face, Jake who’d had enough presence of mind to take a few steps back. The rest of the aviators stared in silent horror at the scene that had unfolded in front of them. 

“And don’t you ever pretend like you know what happened that night. Because trust me when I say, if I could trade places with them, I’d do it in a heartbeat, no questions asked.” 

Storming away from the ready room, you let the door crash back against the frame behind you. Not bothering to hold yourself together any longer, the tears flowed down your cheeks in hotlines, and your nose burned with emotion. Swallowing hard, you found your way to the locker room, tearing off your flight suit the second you cleared the door. Discarding it in your locker, you worked with unsteady hands to pull on the jeans you’d brought to wear for your ride home, but you didn’t get far in the process before your knee gave out.

Collapsing in on itself, you buckled, sending yourself in a crumpled heap to the floor. Your hands smacked against the wooden bench in a reflexive attempt at slowing your fall. The swift thwack reverberated through the empty space as you rested your forehead between your outstretched hands. Breathing slowly, you fought against the memories that threatened to flood back. The tick of the clock on the wall marked the passing of time, but it was meaningless in your stupor. With each grounding breath, you regulated your heart rate enough to move to sit on the bench. Resting back against the brick wall, your shoulders slumped with the weight of the world. 

If it wasn’t for the creaking groan of the locker room door swinging open, you’d have sat like that forever. Instead, the grating noise sent your eyes snapping open, a counterargument perched on your tongue for whoever decided to confront you about the shitshow that had unfolded earlier. Forcing yourself to meet them, you focused your attention on the spot you knew they’d soon inhabit. The heavy fall of boots on tile echoed for a few seconds longer before their owner turned the corner. A wave of thankfulness that it wasn’t Hangman was quickly washed away by the fact that Bradley Bradshaw stood before you. Stopping at the edge of the lockers, he stayed silent watching you watching him. 

His flight suit was tied around his waist, leaving his strong arms exposed as he crossed them in front of his chest. The look on his face was confusing, a warring mix of so many things. On one hand, he looked like he was about to throttle you for the way you acted earlier. On the other hand, he looked broken as if seeing you like this was more than he could handle. Like it was taking everything in his being to keep from crossing the room and holding you in his arms. 

The two of you stayed quiet for a few more seconds, but it was finally Bradley who broke the silence. 

“Are you okay?” 

Staring back at him, you kept a deadpan look fixed to your features, afraid of what he’d see if you let it slip, “I’m fine, Bradley.” 

“Come on now, Y/N. You know that’s not true. What the hell happened back there today?”  

“First of all, why do you suddenly care how I’m doing? Because that hasn’t seemed to matter to you in a very long time. And more importantly, I don’t need your pity, Bradshaw. What happened between me and Hangman has nothing to do with you.” 

“But it-”

“Don’t you dare try to pull the, ‘But it does matter to me, we’re on the same side’ bullshit. You and I haven’t been on the same side in a long fuckin’ time. You worry about you, and I’ll worry about me. End of story. Okay?”

Turning away from him, you picked up your bag and started zipping up the pockets. With your back to him, the clip of his boots on the floor gave away his continued approach.  

“It’s not okay, you’re not okay.” stopping a few steps shy of you, his hands dropped to his sides, fists clenched tightly, “Just talk to me, Y/N.”

Turning to face him, you glared at him as you spoke, “Honestly, I don’t give a shit what you think, and you’re the last person I care to talk to right now. I’m not here to make friends, I’m here to fly this godforsaken mission, and if I’m lucky enough to live through it all… I’d like to keep moving forward with my life.” 

“You sound just like Hangman when you talk that. Maybe you two really do deserve each other.” 

A momentary flash of surprise, and hurt passed over your features. Caught off guard, your next words were shakier than you’d have liked given the circumstance, “You’re right, Bradley… maybe we do deserve each other. At least with Jake, he doesn’t pretend to be something he’s not.” 

Throwing the heavy bag over your shoulders you flew past Bradley, leaving him to flounder in stunned silence.

[redfurrycat]

🐓🤠Not Navy - Still A Flyboy At Heart Fic Recs🤠🐓

Check the Top Gun Masterlist post for the latest updated version. 💕

*Any fic in which Jake/Bradley isn't a Navy Fighter Pilot, but is still connected to the sky somehow... Well, it's more what you’d call ‘guidelines’ than an actual rule... :P

Ao3 Authors: Haridwar, Nickies_Nonsense, ProtectingH_ngm_n, ReformedTsundere, SunMonTue, Sycamoretree.

Navy - Not A Pilot!Bradley Bradshaw > Navy - Not A Pilot!Jake Seresin

Take Off by ReformedTsundere {G}

/Flight Attendant!Jake/

Jake is what the man's name tag reads when Bradley is able to force his eyes down. And if he gets a little lost, mapping what contours of the man's chest he can see beneath his uniform, that's between Bradley and no one else. Except... maybe Jake too, because when Bradley forces his eyes back up, the blonde is smirking, all amused. It's the kind of look someone has when they know they're attractive and are aware the person staring is thinking that same.

Wildfire by sycamoretree {E}

/Temporary Aerial Firefighters!Jake & Bradley/

Jake and Bradley are on a mission to beat a wildfire by aerial firefighting. But what dangers lie ahead?

we met and you claimed me by haridwar {M}

/Commercial Pilot!Bradley/

it seemed so natural, darling, that you and I are here

“Did we really do this?” Bradley asked. It was the first thing he had said since Jake’s brainwave and Jake was not a fan of how upset he sounded. “Are we- did we get married?” or: what happens in Vegas...

Second Chance by Nickies_Nonsense {T}

/Commercial Pilot!Bradley & ATC Operator!Jake/

Bradley "Rooster" Bradshaw leaves the US Navy after the mission with the daggers and starts a second career as a commercial airline pilot with Southwest Airlines. Little does he know that the Air Traffic Control operator Jake Seresin is about to become the most interesting part of his new job, drag Bradley out of his depression, and firmly implant himself into Bradley's new life whether he likes it or not - spoiler, he likes it.

You need to learn how to fall by SunMonTue {E}

/Skydiving Instructor!Bradley/

Bradley keeps growing past the 6'5" limit of being a naval aviator, Maverick lets out an internal sigh of relief. He's not going to be the one responsible for stopping Bradley from becoming a pilot. However, because karma is a cruel mistress, Bradley becomes a sky diver, specialising in spin recovery. Mav will never understand why his godson continually jumps out of perfectly good planes. Later Bradley's level of skill is such that he becomes a civilian contractor to the Airforce and Navy to teach pilots how to survive parachute spins from ejections. The Airforce contact Bradley first, it annoys Ice to no end.

Requesting clearance (to fall in love) by ProtectingH_ngm_n {G}

/Captain!Bradley & First Officer!Jake/

The first time was an accident. The second time was a coincidence. The third time was luck and the fourth time was planned. A fic with Captain Bradley Bradshaw and First Officer Jake Seresin

[usafphantom2]

Wreckage of the U.S. Marine Corps F-35B jet is found in South Carolina

Service decreed temporary suspension of flights.

Fernando Valduga By Fernando Valduga 09/18/2023 - 23:26 in Aeronautical Accidents, Military

U.S. authorities found on Monday a wreckage field of the U.S. Marine Corps (USMC) F-35B poacher that crashed in South Carolina after the pilot safely ejected.

The wreckage field was located in rural Williamsburg County, according to the Charleston Marine Corps Joint Base. The field is about two hours northeast of the base, and residents were asked to avoid the area while the recovery team worked to protect it.

Authorities have been looking for the jet since the pilot, whose name was not disclosed, parachuted safely in a neighborhood of North Charleston around 2 p.m. on Sunday (09/17). He was taken to a hospital, where he was in stable condition, said USMC major Melanie Salinas.

The Marine Corps announced on Monday that it would stop operations for two days after the fall of the fighter - the third expensive accident in recent weeks.

General Eric Smith, interim commander of the Marine Corps, ordered the suspension while authorities were searching near two South Carolina lakes for the missing F-35B Lightning II aircraft.

It is the third event documented as a "Class A accident" in the last six weeks, according to an announcement by the Marine Corps. Such incidents occur when the damage reaches $2.5 million or more, a Department of Defense aircraft is destroyed or someone dies or is permanently incapacitated.

The commanders will pass the suspension reinforcing safe flight policies, practices and procedures with their marines, according to Monday's statement.

141029-M-RH401-078

The announcement did not give details about the two previous incidents. But in August, three U.S. Marines died in the crash of a V-22B Osprey tiltrotora aircraft during a training exercise in Australia, and a U.S. Marine Corps pilot died when his F/A-18D fighter jet crashed near a San Diego base during a training flight.

Based on the location and trajectory of the missing plane, the search focused on Lake Moultrie and Lake Marion, said Senior Sergeant Heather Stanton at Charleston Joint Base. Both lakes are north of North Charleston.

Additional aircraft are researching northwest of the lakes, including a Cessna 182 with the Civil Air Patrol and a King Air 200 from the Department of Defense.

A helicopter from the South Carolina Law Enforcement Division joined the search after bad weather improved in the area, Stanton said. Military officers appealed in online posts on Sunday for any help from the public in locating the aircraft.

The pilot of a second F-35 returned safely to the Charleston Joint Base, Salinas said.

The planes and pilots were part of the Marine Attack Fighter Training Squadron 501 with the 2nd Marine Aircraft Wing based in Beaufort, near the coast of South Carolina.

Source: The Associated Press

Tags: Aeronautical AccidentsMilitary AviationLockheed Martin F-35B Lightning IIUSMC - United States Marine Corps/U.S. Marine Corps

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Fernando Valduga

Fernando Valduga

Aviation photographer and pilot since 1992, he has participated in several events and air operations, such as Cruzex, AirVenture, Daytona Airshow and FIDAE. He has work published in specialized aviation magazines in Brazil and abroad. Uses Canon equipment during his photographic work throughout the world of aviation.

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[oh-great-authoress]

Happy, Happy Birthday, My Dearest Sister, @welsharcher !!

Ben Solo is a brilliant but grouchy aeronautical engineer, working for Sienar Aviation, at their headquarters in the Pacific Northwest, and when he gets into a car accident, he narrowly escapes with his life, but is left in need of a great deal of physical therapy.

In his recovery, his mother, Leia Organa-Solo, owner of Varykino Ranch in Chandrila, Wyoming, begs him to come home, so that she can help him.

When he arrives, he finds that Varykino has pivoted from cattle ranching to therapy, working with veterans, those with special needs, and most importantly for Ben, those needing physical therapy.

Inevitably, sparks fly between stubborn Ben and easygoing head therapist, Rey Niima.

Will Rey be able to tame Ben, or will he be left as broken as when he arrived at Varykino?

[beck-derringer]

Random Headcanons (5/?)

Beck’s certification bracelet has charms including the following: Spacecraft Mechanics, Space Aviation, Space Navigation, Military Recruit Training, Starfighter Combat

There is a flag on her flight and military charms warning that she was dishonorably discharged from the starfleet, however.

Her bracelet is hidden away somewhere in her mother’s apartment. Not even she knows where it is and that’s on purpose.

The only time she saw Teddy after the accident was shortly after while he was in recovery (and Marshall was present for!!!). He rightfully cursed her out and made sure she knew that it was her fault his life was ruined for good.

[informativehorizon]

Mötley Crüe's Vince Neil Involved in Tragic Jet Collision at Scottsdale Airport

A tragic incident occurred at Scottsdale Airport in Arizona on Monday when a private jet owned by Mötley Crüe frontman Vince Neil collided with a parked Gulfstream 200 jet. The crash, which resulted in the death of one individual and left others injured, has sent shockwaves through the rock music community and raised concerns over aviation safety.

According to officials, Neil’s jet, which was arriving at the airport, veered off the runway before colliding with the stationary Gulfstream jet located on private property near the airport. While the exact cause of the crash remains under investigation, the consequences were devastating. Tragically, the pilot of the Gulfstream 200 was killed, and Neil’s girlfriend, who was on board the jet, suffered injuries.

Vince Neil, the iconic lead singer of the legendary rock band Mötley Crüe, was unharmed in the crash, though it is understood he was deeply shaken by the events that transpired. The singer was traveling to Scottsdale for personal matters when the incident occurred.

Details of the Collision and Aftermath

The incident took place during the afternoon, and authorities were quick to respond to the scene. Emergency services rushed to the airport, where the wreckage of the two jets could be seen. While the Gulfstream 200 was parked on private property and was not in use at the time, the collision resulted in catastrophic damage, and the crash caused a significant fire.

The cause of the crash is still under investigation, with aviation experts scrutinizing the circumstances that led to the jet veering off the runway. Scottsdale Airport authorities have confirmed that they are working closely with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) to determine the exact cause of the accident.

While the tragic loss of life is being mourned, attention is also focused on the injuries sustained by Neil’s girlfriend, who was taken to the hospital in stable condition after the crash. The pilot of the Gulfstream, whose name has not yet been released, was the only fatality of the incident.

Vince Neil’s Response and Impact on Mötley Crüe

As news of the crash spread, fans and well-wishers expressed their support for Vince Neil. The singer, known for his larger-than-life persona on stage with Mötley Crüe, has been met with an outpouring of love from his followers, who are concerned about both his physical and emotional well-being following such a traumatic event.

Mötley Crüe, which has experienced a major resurgence in popularity in recent years, has not yet made an official statement about the incident. It is unclear how the crash may affect future performances or commitments for the band. As of now, the focus remains on the investigation into the crash and supporting Neil through this difficult time.

Aviation Safety and Investigation

The collision at Scottsdale Airport highlights concerns over private jet safety, especially during arrivals and landings. The FAA and NTSB have already launched an investigation to ensure that any lessons can be learned from the incident. Initial reports suggest that weather conditions were not a factor in the crash, but experts are looking into all potential causes.

The tragic loss of life and injuries caused by the collision underscore the importance of strict safety protocols for private aviation, particularly around busy airports and private airfields. As the investigation continues, the aviation community is hoping that steps can be taken to prevent similar accidents in the future.

In Closing

The jet crash at Scottsdale Airport is a heartbreaking reminder of the risks associated with aviation, particularly for private jet owners and passengers. While the tragic loss of life is devastating, fans of Vince Neil and Mötley Crüe are hopeful for a swift recovery for Neil's girlfriend, as well as support for the families of those affected. As the investigation unfolds, the rock world will continue to keep Neil and all those impacted by this terrible event in their thoughts.

[townpostin]

Jamshedpur Flying School License Suspended After Fatal Crash

DGCA halts Alchemist Aviation operations following audit; two lives lost in accident The DGCA suspended Alchemist Aviation’s license after a fatal crash and subsequent audit revealed serious safety issues at the Jamshedpur-based flying school. JAMSHEDPUR – Following a tragic aircraft crash and safety audit, the DGCA has suspended the operational approval of Alchemist Aviation, a flying training…

[yourreddancer]

FROM PUBLIC CITIZEN:

Shortly before 9:00 p.m. Wednesday, a U.S. Army helicopter collided with an American Airlines passenger plane in the frigid night air above the Potomac River near Washington, D.C.

The sky lit up in a massive fireball, and all 67 people onboard both aircraft are presumed dead. (Recovery efforts are still underway.)

It is the most fatal accident in our nation’s skies in over 23 years.

So how did the President of the United States respond to this unfathomable tragedy — which happened just a few miles from the White House he now occupies? Donald Trump blamed the disaster on “diversity.”

Some very recent history:

On January 20, Trump was inaugurated for the second time.

That same day, the former head of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) resigned after intense pressure from Trump crony Elon Musk (who was upset that the FAA had fined his company SpaceX for violating rules around rocket launches).

On January 21, Trump fired the director of the federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA).

That same day, Trump froze hiring of new air traffic controllers. (Even though there is a profound shortage of controllers nationwide, which has resulted in understaffed air traffic facilities and overworked controllers — something Public Citizen has been urging government leaders to address for years).

Also on January 21, the Trump regime essentially disbanded the federal Aviation Security Advisory Committee, which was created by Congress in 1988 after the bombing of PanAm Flight 103 over Lockerbie, Scotland.

Trump never bothered to appoint an acting director of the FAA until yesterday — after the tragedy that claimed 67 lives.

It will take time for the National Transportation Safety Board to identify exactly what went wrong. And while there is no indication that Trump’s actions were responsible, his moves can only make air travel less safe.

Here’s some more of what Trump had to say about efforts to bring even a modicum of diversity to our nation’s aviation workforce:

Trump alleged that the Obama administration had determined the FAA was “too white.” Of course it did no such thing. “You have to go by brain power. You have to go by psychological quality.” “We want somebody that’s psychologically superior.” (At the risk of stating the obvious, it’s a major red flag when politicians who are already saying patently racist things start tossing in words like “superior.”) Trump was asked how he could determine that diversity hiring had caused the crash. He quickly — and snarkily — responded, “Because I have common sense.”

Trump and his MAGA minions are doing more than blaming “DEI” for every ill. They are weaponizing the racist, sexist proposition that white men are always and automatically “meritorious” — despite the glaringly obvious counterexample of their own administration — while anyone else is inherently unqualified.

In another era, the kind of demagoguery we find ourselves living through once again was embodied in a figurehead who came to be so detested that his name is now shorthand for unhinged prejudice and tyranny.

Joseph McCarthy’s ultimate downfall was in large part set off by an impromptu remark from a U.S. Army lawyer — Joseph N. Welch — who found himself genuinely shocked upon encountering McCarthy’s maniacal extremism in person during a televised Senate hearing.

This is what Welch famously said to McCarthy:

“Until this moment, senator, I think I have never really gauged your cruelty or your recklessness. ... Have you no sense of decency, sir?”

We invite you to join Public Citizen in a message for Donald Trump:

67 people lost their lives in the cold, dark sky above Washington, D.C., Wednesday night. It has been said that in times of tragedy, the president has the duty — and privilege — to serve as our nation’s Consoler In Chief. You have instead chosen, as you so often do, to function merely as Complainer In Chief. “Diversity” did not cause this tragedy. But your actions since taking office again certainly did nothing to prevent it. So the American people are asking, “Have you no sense of decency, sir?”

Click to add your name now.

Thanks for taking action.

For decency,

- Robert Weissman & Lisa Gilbert, Co-Presidents of Public Citizen

[l-richardson]

Breaking News: Washington D.C. Mid-Air Collision - A National Tragedy or Cover-Up?

Folks, brace yourselves for the truth! A catastrophic mid-air collision has rocked the heart of our nation, right over the Potomac River near Reagan National Airport. An American Eagle flight, carrying 64 souls, collided with a military Black Hawk helicopter!

🔥 Key Details:

American Airlines Flight 5342, a Bombardier CRJ701, met disaster with a UH-60 Black Hawk from Fort Belvoir.

The plane shattered into three pieces, crashing into icy waters where the temperature was a chilling 35°F!

300 brave first responders fought through the night, recovering 28 bodies in what's being called the largest recovery operation in decades by the D.C. medical examiner.

🚨 What's Behind This?

The Black Hawk's ADS-B system was mysteriously off, making it a ghost in the sky to our commercial jet.

Air traffic control's last-second "maintain visual separation" call - was this a system failure or something more sinister?

The timing, the location, the lack of broadcasting - does this smell like a cover-up to you?

🌟ommunity Impact:

The tragedy took beloved members from the Skating Club of Boston and has shaken the figure skating community.

Aviation experts are ringing alarm bells about controller shortages and the risk of such collisions in our skies.

🗣️ We Demand Answers:

Why was the helicopter flying dark in one of the busiest airspaces in America?

What does this say about our air traffic control systems, already flagged for being outdated?

This incident, the first fatal commercial crash in 15 years, isn't just about loss; it's about accountability, transparency, and ensuring such a nightmare never repeats. We need to stand united, demand the truth, and protect our skies!

Article Coming Soon: Stay tuned for an in-depth analysis on these questions and more. We're not stopping until we get to the bottom of this.

Links:

Sky News on the Collision https://news.sky.com/story/commercial-airliner-in-mid-air-crash-with-black-hawk-helicopter-over-washington-dc-13299314

WRAL on Rescue Conditions https://www.wral.com/weather/cold-potomac-recovery-crews-january-2025/

CBS News - Recovery Updates https://www.cbsnews.com/news/crash-reagan-national-airport-washington-dc/

Washington Times - Air Traffic Control Concerns https://www.washingtontimes.com/news/2025/jan/30/concerns-outdated-air-traffic-control-systems-retu/

Business Insider - The End of a Safety Streak https://www.businessinsider.com/dc-plane-crash-aviation-experts-long-feared-nightmare-scenario-2025-1

NPR - Aviation Safety Concerns https://www.npr.org/2025/01/30/nx-s1-5280198/plane-crash-washington-dc-helicopter-potomac

ABC News - First Responders' Challenge https://abcnews.go.com/US/shower-sparks-witness-describes-midair-collision-potomac-river/story?id=118260179

AP News - Community Impact https://apnews.com/article/dc-helicopter-jet-crash-figure-skaters-3aaad661331bc2379ad6b604dec6de0b

Irish Times - Helicopter Crew's Role https://www.irishtimes.com/world/us/2025/01/30/washington-dc-plane-crash-blame-for-mid-air-collision-appears-to-lie-with-helicopter-crew/

FAA - Aviation Accident Protocols https://www.faa.gov/air_traffic/publications/atpubs/aim_html/chap7_section_7.html

ResearchGate - Eyewitness Reliability in Aviation https://www.researchgate.net/publication/268513973_Reliability_of_eyewitness_reports_to_a_major_aviation_accident

Legal Disclaimer:

This post discusses a sensitive and ongoing investigation. The information provided is based on initial reports and may be subject to change. We aim to inform and encourage safety in aviation without assigning blame or speculating beyond the facts. Viewer discretion is advised due to the tragic nature of the incident.

[savingsuk]

Boeing Faces Investor Backlash: Can Innovation Save the Aerospace Leader?

Boeing has found itself in deep water lately, facing backlash from investors and stakeholders alike. With rising concerns surrounding its operations and market strategies, many are asking: can innovation really save Boeing in the perplexing landscape of the aerospace sector?

The Investor Dilemma

Investors have started to voice their concerns about Boeing's performance in the stock market. Recent reports show a decline in share prices and lukewarm responses to new aircraft designs. Factors such as production delays and safety issues have adversely impacted investor trust. Unfortunate Events One of the significant setbacks was the 737 MAX crisis. A series of tragic accidents raised red flags about Boeing's commitment to safety. Even though the jets are flying again, many investors remain wary. In recent years, earnings have been below what investors expected. In fact, in 2021, Boeing posted a net loss of over $4 billion. This created a rocky relationship between Boeing and its investors. Calls for Change Boeing investors want changes that put them first. In their view, swift innovation could help rebuild trust and restore confidence. Shareholder meetings have centered on pushing for updates to both technology and safety protocols.

The Role of Innovation

So, what kind of innovation could support Boeing's recovery and growth? Investors are curious if the answer lies in modernizing operations and crafting cutting-edge products. Advanced Technologies Boeing has always been at the forefront of aviation technology. In past years, they invested heavily in autonomous aircraft and more fuel-efficient engines. The emergence of electric propulsion systems is also part of the innovation landscape. For instance, by generating sustainable aviation fuel, Boeing aims to meet global carbon emission targets. According to the Air Transport Action Group, aviation accounts for 2-3% of global CO2 emissions. This makes sustainable solutions not just a trend but a necessity. Enhancing Production Processes Another focus area for innovation is improving production processes. By adopting lean manufacturing techniques, Boeing could enhance its efficiency. This means producing planes more quickly and economically, responding better to market demands. Savings UK Ltd, which monitors cost efficiency, suggests that lean management can reduce operation costs between 10% and 40%. If Boeing seeks direction from this type of assessment, it could create significant benefits for its bottom line.

Investment in Research

Moreover, dedicated funding for research and development is vital. Boeing has historically allocated billions to R&D, but amidst recent operational challenges, cutting back could deter advancements. According to a Markets and Markets report, the aerospace R&D market is expected to grow by 5.32% annually. Thus, extending R&D investment can position Boeing neatly in a competitive market. Engaging with Investors By involving investors in their innovative journey, Boeing could mend its relationship with them. Holding consultation sessions or open forums might enable the company to assuage investor anxieties while reassuring stakeholders about its direction.

The Stock Market Recovery

Just as a storm can cause turbulence for aircraft in flight, so too can uncertainties shake the stock market. However, a well-thought-out innovation strategy could enable Boeing to regain stability. Performance Appraisal A key focus should be on regular performance appraisals to align Boeing’s investments with market needs. This recalibration could play a crucial role in enhancing investor sentiment. As reported by Reuters, Boeing’s stock price plummeted by nearly 30% from its peak in 2019. Yet, there are signs optimism could return if more results come from innovative efforts.

Boeing Faces Investor Backlash: Can Innovation Save the Aerospace Leader?

Collaborations Navigate Ahead

The aerospace industry thrives on partnerships. Collaborating with tech disruptors can bring fresh ideas to the table. Simple flying drones and innovative manufacturing practices from startups could offer lessons to Boeing. Swiss company, AIRTAIN, uses intricate designs in their aircraft's prototypes that minimize weight and use ambient air for energy savings. Such approaches illustrate paths companies can consider. Organic Types of Innovation A report by McKinsey supports this multidisciplinary innovation. Companies venturing into integrated projects tend to exceed previous successes by 20% or more in the market. Something for Boeing to consider before turning inward alone.

Conclusion

In short, the onus falls heavily on Boeing when it comes to regaining investor confidence. The buzz around innovation holds pivotal importance within the essence of aviation and aerospace sectors. With pivotal steps toward daring innovations and efficiencies, Boeing could ultimately catch the tailwind. The stock market, along with stakeholders from Savings UK Ltd, will keenly observe how Boeing embarks on this vital journey. Timely moves and quick execution could secure a brighter horizon for Boeing. It's a race against time, innovation, and trust. For more insights into Boeing's market strategies, you can check out sources like Reuters and the Air Transport Action Group’s. Read the full article

[stevecarell600]

Homeland Security and Emergency Management Market Size, Share, Key Drivers & Demand Insights by 2032

The global homeland security and emergency management market size was valued at USD 590.66 billion in 2022. The market is anticipated to expand from USD 631.42 billion in 2023 to USD 914.07 billion by 2030, exhibiting a CAGR of 5.4% over the analysis period.

The rise can be attributed to the increasing concerns of data security among nations. The deployment of big data analytics for data mining and processing is an additional factor favoring industry expansion.

Fortune Business Insights™ provides this information in its research report, titled “Homeland Security and Emergency Management Market, 2023-2030”.

Informational Source:

https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/homeland-security-and-emergency-management-market-102743

List of Key Players Mentioned in the Report:

BAE Systems Plc (U.K.)

CACI International Inc. (U.S.)

Collins Aerospace (U.S.)

Elbit Systems Ltd. (Israel)

General Dynamics Corporation (U.S.)

L3Harris Technologies Inc. (U.S.)

Lockheed Martin Corporation (U.S.)

Northrop Grumman Corporation (U.S.)

SAAB AB (Sweden)

Thales Group (France)

Segments:

Detection and Monitoring Segment to Gain Traction Driven by Increasing Product Adoption in Military Systems

On the basis of system, the market is subdivided into communication system, modeling and simulation, intelligence and surveillance system, rescue and recovery systems, weapon system, detection and monitoring system, command and control, and others. The detection and monitoring system segment accounted for a dominating share in the market in 2022. The rise can be credited to the increasing deployment of these solutions in military equipment.

CBRNE Segment to Lead Impelled by Surge in Defense Expenditure

By service, the market is classified into cyber security, aviation security, CBRNE security, maritime security, law enforcement and intelligence gathering, critical infrastructure security, risk and emergency services, border security, and others. The CBRNE security segment held the largest market share in 2022. The segment’s expansion is driven by the escalation in defense spending on protection and planning of modern warfare systems.

Homeland Security Segment Held Key Share Owing to Rising Security Spending

By end-user, the market is categorized into emergency medical services, firefighting services, homeland security, private & perimeter security, and search and rescue. The homeland security segment held a dominant share in the homeland security and emergency management market in 2022. The rise is due to the soaring security expenditure by emerging economies.

Based on geography, the homeland security and emergency management market has been studied across North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, the Middle East & Africa, and Latin America.

Report Coverage:

The report provides an insight into the major trends in the market. It further delves into the prominent steps undertaken by leading companies for strengthening their industry footings. These include merger agreements, acquisitions, and the launch of new products.  

Drivers and Restraints:

Market Value to Rise Due to Increasing Biohazard Warfare and Terrorist Threats

The homeland security and emergency management market growth is being propelled by the surging number of terrorist attacks across the globe and increasing concerns pertaining to emergencies. The actions lead to the provisions of emergency management services by industry players for critical situations such as chemical explosions, accidents involving hazardous materials, and others.

However, the implementation of the procedures occurs at a slow pace, which may hamper industry expansion to a considerable extent.

Regional Insights:

North America Dominates due to Rising Expenditure on Upgradation of Security Solutions

North America held a key position in 2022 as it held the largest homeland security and emergency management market share. The regional market is poised to expand at a substantial rate over the projected period. The surge is impelled by the growing demand for communication systems and the escalating deployment of advanced technologies in security solutions.

Europe is anticipated to expand at an appreciable pace over the study period. The expansion is driven by Ukraine’s invasion of Russia and the increase in home security budgets of Poland, Germany, France, the U.K., and Italy.

Competitive Landscape:

Leading Companies Ink Strategic Deals to Strengthen Industry Position

Major industry players focus on formulating and implementing new strategies for strengthening their market positions. These include increasing investment in research and development activities and the rollout of new homeland security and emergency management solutions. Other steps comprise collaborations, partnerships, and merger activities.

Key Industry Development:

June 2023 – Dynamo Technologies and Alpha Omega were awarded a USD 70 million five-year contract award with the USDA (U.S. Department of Agriculture) Office of the Chief Information Office (OCIO) Information Security Center Program and Security Management (ISC). The contract was centered on providing support for mission-critical cyber security operations across USDA agencies.

[excelindustrys]

The Diverse Impact of Essential Services in Modern Industries: From Aircraft Maintenance Engineering to Waste Management and Beyond

In today’s world, industries are driven by efficiency, safety, and innovation. Whether it's ensuring the airworthiness of aircraft, maintaining clean and sustainable environments, or providing essential structural services, various sectors rely heavily on specialized services to operate smoothly. Key services such as aircraft maintenance engineering, waste management services, scaffolding companies in the UAE, galvanizing services, and aircraft aviation services are pivotal in ensuring industry standards, safety, and innovation. This blog will explore how each of these services contributes to modern industrial operations, their significance, and their evolving role in the global market.

Aircraft Maintenance Engineering: The Backbone of Aviation Safety and Efficiency

The aviation industry is one of the most critical sectors in the global economy, connecting businesses, cultures, and economies. However, maintaining the integrity and safety of aircraft is paramount to the smooth operation of air travel. Aircraft maintenance engineering plays an essential role in ensuring that aircraft are safe, reliable, and efficient.

Key Components of Aircraft Maintenance Engineering

Aircraft maintenance engineering encompasses a broad range of tasks, all designed to ensure the safe operation of an aircraft. It involves regular inspections, repairs, and overhauls, ensuring compliance with stringent safety standards. Maintenance engineering can be divided into two primary categories:

Scheduled Maintenance Scheduled maintenance is the backbone of ensuring that aircraft remain in top working condition. Airlines and maintenance facilities follow specific schedules based on the flight hours or number of cycles an aircraft undergoes. These include:

Daily checks: Minor inspections to ensure everything is in working order before flights.

Major overhauls: Extensive checks and repairs on critical components, usually done after significant periods of operation.

Component replacement and engine overhauls: These ensure the continued performance of key systems like engines, hydraulics, and avionics.

Unscheduled Maintenance Unscheduled maintenance involves the repair of unexpected issues that can arise during flight or while on the ground. These issues often require immediate attention to avoid delays or safety concerns. Examples of unscheduled maintenance include engine malfunctions, hydraulic failures, and issues with landing gear.

Aircraft maintenance engineers must undergo rigorous training and certification to ensure they are capable of diagnosing and repairing aircraft systems. This specialized expertise helps prevent accidents, reduce downtime, and improve the efficiency of aviation operations.

Waste Management Services: A Critical Pillar of Sustainability

In today’s industrial landscape, waste management services play a pivotal role in maintaining sustainability. Whether for urban centers, industrial plants, or commercial enterprises, effective waste management is essential to reduce environmental impact and maintain hygiene and safety. With the growing awareness of environmental issues and regulatory compliance, waste management has evolved from simple disposal to a more comprehensive approach involving recycling, resource recovery, and reducing carbon footprints.

The Scope of Waste Management Services

Waste management services cover a wide array of activities designed to handle, process, and dispose of waste responsibly. These services include:

Collection and Transportation Waste collection involves the removal of waste from residential, commercial, and industrial areas. Specialized waste collection vehicles ensure the safe transport of waste to disposal sites, recycling centers, or treatment facilities.

Waste Sorting and Recycling Recycling services are increasingly crucial in reducing the amount of waste sent to landfills. Through sorting and recycling, materials such as plastics, metals, glass, and paper can be reused, minimizing environmental pollution and conserving natural resources.

Hazardous Waste Management Certain types of waste—such as medical, chemical, or electronic waste—require specialized handling and disposal techniques due to their toxic and hazardous nature. Proper disposal and treatment of hazardous waste prevent contamination of air, water, and soil.

Landfill Management Proper landfill management ensures that waste is disposed of in an environmentally safe manner. Modern landfills employ systems to capture methane gas, manage leachate, and reduce environmental risks.

Waste-to-Energy Waste-to-energy (WTE) processes involve converting non-recyclable waste into usable energy, such as electricity or heat. WTE helps reduce reliance on traditional energy sources while minimizing landfill waste.

Organic Waste Management Organic waste, such as food scraps and garden waste, can be composted and used to enrich soil, promoting a circular economy.

Sustainable waste management not only helps reduce environmental damage but also plays a key role in enhancing corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives, with businesses aiming to meet sustainability goals and government regulations.

Scaffolding Companies in the UAE: Supporting Construction and Infrastructure Development

The UAE is renowned for its architectural wonders, from towering skyscrapers to expansive infrastructure projects. As the country continues to invest in modern urbanization, the demand for scaffolding services has surged, becoming an integral part of construction and renovation activities. Scaffolding company in UAE provide the necessary platforms and support systems required for building and maintaining structures, ensuring worker safety and operational efficiency.

The Role of Scaffolding in the Construction Industry

Scaffolding is a temporary structure used to support workers and materials during the construction, maintenance, or repair of buildings and other structures. It provides a safe working environment at heights, allowing construction professionals to perform tasks efficiently. Key functions of scaffolding include:

Providing Safe Access to High Places Scaffolding allows workers to access elevated work areas safely, such as roofs, walls, and towers, making it essential for tasks like painting, plastering, and window installation.

Support for Heavy Equipment and Materials Scaffolding supports heavy equipment, tools, and materials, making construction processes more efficient and reducing the risk of accidents caused by unsecured materials.

Flexibility and Customization Scaffolding systems can be customized to fit the needs of specific projects, whether for residential buildings, commercial construction, or large-scale infrastructure projects. This flexibility ensures that scaffolding systems can adapt to various heights, shapes, and structural complexities.

Compliance with Safety Regulations In the UAE, scaffolding companies are required to adhere to stringent safety regulations set by local authorities. This ensures that scaffolding structures are secure and that workers are protected from accidents.

Scaffolding companies in the UAE are essential to the success of major construction projects, providing workers with safe and accessible platforms, enhancing productivity, and ensuring compliance with safety standards.

Galvanizing Services: Enhancing Durability and Longevity of Metal Structures

Galvanizing service play a crucial role in extending the lifespan of metal components used in various industries. Galvanization is the process of applying a protective zinc coating to steel or iron to prevent rusting and corrosion. This process significantly enhances the durability of metals, especially in industries where exposure to harsh environmental conditions is common.

The Galvanization Process

Galvanizing involves immersing steel or iron in a bath of molten zinc. The zinc reacts with the surface of the metal to form a protective layer that is resistant to corrosion, even in aggressive environments like industrial plants, marine locations, and construction sites. Key benefits of galvanizing include:

Corrosion Resistance Galvanizing provides superior protection against rust and corrosion, making it ideal for structures exposed to moisture, chemicals, and extreme temperatures.

Long-Term Durability Galvanized steel is known for its longevity, often outlasting uncoated steel by decades. This makes it a cost-effective solution for infrastructure projects, including bridges, pipelines, and utility poles.

Environmental Benefits By enhancing the lifespan of metal structures, galvanization helps reduce the need for replacements, reducing waste and resource consumption.

Cost-Effectiveness Although galvanization is a one-time cost, its long-term benefits in terms of reduced maintenance and extended lifespan make it a cost-effective solution for various industries.

Galvanizing services are commonly used in construction, automotive, energy, and manufacturing sectors, where metal components are subject to wear and tear. The process enhances the performance of these materials, reducing maintenance costs and extending the service life of key structures.

Aircraft Aviation Services: Supporting the Aviation Industry’s Global Reach

The aviation sector relies heavily on aircraft aviation services to ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of air travel. These services range from aircraft maintenance and repair to ground handling, fueling, and air traffic management. Aircraft aviation services are the backbone of the global aviation network, supporting everything from passenger flights to cargo transport.

Key Services in Aircraft Aviation

Aircraft Maintenance As previously discussed, aircraft maintenance is essential for the safety of flight operations. Aircraft aviation services encompass routine checks, repairs, and component replacements to ensure aircraft remain airworthy.

Ground Handling Services Ground handling encompasses tasks such as baggage handling, aircraft towing, and boarding procedures. Ground support ensures that flights depart on time and that passengers and cargo are managed efficiently.

Aircraft Refueling Aircraft aviation services also include fueling, which is an essential component of every flight. Fueling operations require precision to ensure that each aircraft is loaded with the correct amount of fuel, considering flight range, weight, and weather conditions.

Flight Crew Training Flight training is critical to ensure pilots and crew members are equipped to handle any situation that may arise during flight. Training programs use advanced simulators to teach various emergency procedures and flight operations.

Conclusion

The modern industrial landscape is shaped by a wide array of essential services that work together to ensure safety, efficiency, and sustainability. From aircraft maintenance engineering, which ensures the safety of air travel, to waste management services that help preserve the environment, to scaffolding companies in the UAE that facilitate construction and galvanizing services that enhance the durability of metal structures, each sector contributes to global progress. Aircraft aviation services, which support the aviation network, are also critical in ensuring that air travel remains a reliable and efficient mode of transport. These industries continue to evolve, integrating cutting-edge technologies to provide the services necessary for a rapidly advancing world.