FedEx airbus departs closed runway

[Check 6]

What can scare the heck out of airport ground workers? How about a heavy jet departing a closed runway? Federal authorities are investigating the takeoff of a Federal Express cargo jet from a darkened, closed runway at New Jersey's Newark International Airport on May 10. Authorities have not yet determined whether the incident was caused by the air traffic controllers, pilot error, or both. The Associated Press reported the A-310 came within 3,000 feet of a Port Authority crew working adjacent to the closed runway. The FAA continues its investigation and promises to eventually divulge the cause.

[Airbubba]

Don't know if you follow FedEx but this is one of their less spectacular incidents of recent years.

But for the grace of God...

[Ignition Override]

Some of their pilots fly some really bad schedules and duty periods, as we know. But many fortunate ones can fly the daytime postal cargo (going "postal" at 440 kts +), and no pilots are laid off.

What sort of inspections have FEDEX done on their A-300/310s vertical stabilisers?

Woops-maybe this is a bad question to ask. Many foreign people seem to get very defensive about anyone who questions about any Airbus safety issue. Oh well: luckily, that hang-up is not my problem.

[Schrodingers Cat]

Actually IO, most of the world regards you lot as the foreigners old chap......

[Dr Dave]

Hmmm, interesting comments IO.

You seem to feel that there is a particular problem with Airbus safety. In this context, the following fatal events spring to mind (amongst various others):

- The Aloha 737 that lost its roof mid-flight
- The Japan Airlines 747 that had a manufacturers repair of a bulkhead fail mid-flight
- The Lauda Air 767 that had reverse thrust engage mid-flight
- The US Air 737 that suffered an uncontrolled rudder deflection mid-flight
- The China Airlines 747 that broke up mid-flight
- The TWA 747 that underwent a centre fuel tank explosion mid-flight

Or are these in some way fundamentally different from the tragic event that occurred in New York?

Dr Dave

[GrantT]

"What sort of inspections have FEDEX done on their A-300/310s vertical stabilisers?"

What has that got to do with pilots taking off on the wrong runway?

[mutt]

sound quite a long way

Not when you consider that the A300 could be traveling approximately 290 fps.


Mutt.

[AA717driver]

Schrodingers Cat--Thank you for "readjusting" our perspective! TC

[Ignition Override]

Yep Dr. Dave: there are a number of strange tragedies with Boeings, and this can not be denied. Just curious here-do airline technicians (engineers etc) feel that the modifications on the 737 control valves etc are enough? To clarify my main previous point, although away from the main FEDEX topic, is to hope that any airline (or manufacturer) can find a way to inspect a problem with metal or composite tails or any other areas, no matter what the costs-the recent spotlight here has been on composite tails.

People often simply choose to read things into various comments all over Pprune forums (fora). Anytime a frank question is raised about anything, it somehow seems to imply (to various readers) that no major problems have happened with other types of aircraft, airlines, or other pilot groups, etc. But when new info is highlighted by our "wonderful media", and we ask for more info or verification, or dare to enquire about the need for fly-by-wire (separate topic, but from the same company, and also used by Boeing), I'm slow to understand why it must be interpreted/imagined as an issue that steps on personal or national pride. Oh well.

[canuck slf]

With respect to the 3,000 ft spacing to workers.
I am currently engaged in a construction project at an international airport. We are allowed to work, under supervision, up to 90m (say 300 ft) of an active threshold, all in compliance with the relevant regulations.

Regards