Air crash inquiries benefit everyone

Question: To what extent do reenactments of air crashes affect the image of certain airlines and aviation in general?

— Jamal Boulajoul, Morocco Answer:

Aviation’s safety record is a great success story. From the beginning in 1903 to today, aviation has come from a daredevil experience to the safest form of public transportation in history. Telling that story is rewarding and benefits all of aviation.

Accidents, due to their rarity, attract significant public attention. Aviation safety professionals carefully review each one, seeking improvements and to prevent recurrences. Sharing this information with the public is beneficial, as it shows the very strong commitment to safety.

Based on the increasing number of people flying, it is evident there is no damage to the image or reputation of operators.

It is very important that TV programs that show accidents and the investigation be done carefully and factually.

Q: I watch air crash investigation shows, and it seems often that pilots cannot see damage to the jet, and if they could it would help them determine how to fly it. Why are there not cameras on the tail, wings, etc., so a pilot can scan to see damage? I mean, they are very cheap. — Addison, Mobile, Ala.

A:

Some airplanes do have cameras onboard that can help pilots visually determine damage. These are usually large airplanes such as the A340-600, A380 or B747-8.

One consideration about your comment about cameras being cheap: Nothing on an airplane is cheap. The certification costs for all components is very high.

Pilots are usually more concerned with the state of the systems (electrical, pneumatic and hydraulic) to determine the state of the airplane. On the rare occasion when there is physical damage, a visual assessment would be of limited value.