The Need Of Quality Airplane Equipment In Correlation With Safety
There is a widespread public fear that airplanes are dangerous. In many senses, the fear might be well founded. But as statistics show, actual fatalities regarding airplanes are quite low. Even still, it is important for hobbyist pilots and mechanics to educate themselves on proper airplane safety and the importance of proper airplane equipment.
Safety And The FFA (Federal Aviation Administration)
The Federal Aviation Administration is a US department that helps keep the aviation industry safe for everyone. They have recently been called out on their lack of quality control for airliners who import their airplane parts from foreign sources.
Indeed, many airplanes are comprised of foreign parts, which is not necessarily a bad thing. Parts can be manufactured in countries such as China, Brazil, or Italy much cheaper than what they can be in other countries. Therefore, airlines tend to go the “cheap way out,” and outsource their equipment.
But because of the lack of safety checking, substandard parts have found their way into other countries such as the United States. In fact, the FAA has made a report indicating that several engine failures were caused by unapproved changes made at the manufacturing level. One of the engine failures was during an actual flight- meaning consumers were put at risk because of this bargain hunting.
To come up with a solution, the FAA reevaluated their efforts in finding the best quality for the best price. In the end, the department agreed to make more on-site inspections of foreign manufacturers, and to also include inspection standards as the parts make their way into US territory.
Airplane Safety for Consumers
Consumers can’t necessarily influence a major airliner to change their buying policies. Hobbyist and small-time pilots can, however, choose to buy quality parts from reputed manufacturers. All that is needed is a little time, the right contacts in the industry, and usually more money in which to buy the parts with.
First, the myth that one spot on a plane is safer that another is false. Different factors can account for different fatalities. Fires and smoke, for instance, may affect one section of the plane while leaving other sections untouched. How the airplane faults and how it lands on the ground is another large factor in the equation.
Consumers can, however, increase their likelihood of avoiding disaster by following the directions present on most planes. Depending on the make and class of the plane, certain safety devices should be made available to the consumer in the event of an emergency.
Of all the hazards that are apparent in airplane equipment failure, the worst is the prospect of losing consciousness. It is very important that in the event of catastrophe, oxygen masks be placed and kept on one’s face with urgency. This ensures that one stays conscious even under extreme circumstances.
In the end, it all comes down to quality parts. If you are a hobbyist, you can do your part by ensuring you buy parts from a quality manufacturer. Sadly, you won’t have the luxury with choosing an airline, in which case you’ll have to hope for the best.
Filed under: Travel & Leisure