WP: FAA Slow To Require Fuel Tank Safety Gear (outrage!)

[DeepModem Mom]

FAA Slow To Require Fuel Tank Safety Gear
Tube Would Reduce Explosive Vapors

By Sara Kehaulani Goo
Washington Post Staff Writer
Thursday, July 7, 2005; Page A06


It looked like a simple plastic tube, about a yard long.

Holding it up at a news conference last year, FAA Administrator Marion C. Blakey announced that the agency would soon require all airlines and manufacturers to install the device inside aircraft fuel tanks to reduce the chances of a catastrophic explosion.

The tube, which reduces flammable vapors, would "virtually eliminate the possibility of fuel tank explosions," like the one that brought down TWA Flight 800 in 1996, killing all 230 on board shortly after takeoff from John F. Kennedy International Airport, Blakey said. "It would be irresponsible not to move forward with breakthroughs such as this."

Seventeen months later, the FAA has not started its formal process of requiring the safety device to be installed on all major aircraft, prompting concern among safety experts and investigators....

***

U.S. airlines have lobbied the FAA to delay implementation, arguing that they've already addressed the problem, and they question whether the devices, estimated to cost $140,000 to $220,000 per aircraft, are necessary. European manufacturer Airbus SAS has said its fuel tanks are already designed to reduce flammability. It has argued to European aviation officials that its new A380 aircraft -- a 555-seat double-decker -- should be exempt from the requirements because of its unique design....


http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2005/07/06/AR2005070601969.html

[BrklynLiberal]

1. Sure scares the crap out of me....

:think: :scared:

[DeepModem Mom]

2. Same here! nt

[One_Life_To_Give]

3. Always been slow

Hate to say it but. The FAA has been slow/reluctant to implement numerous safeguards.

[Thor_MN]

4. What a horrible job of describing the device

My initial thought was "Is it made by Haliburton that three feet of tubing costs more than I make in three to four years?" Once I understood what they were taking about, I knew why it costs a bit but those are still utter bullshit prices. The way they described it would be about as effective as holding up a tire to illustrate a car.

The tubing is just what delivers the nitrogen to the fuel tank, there must also be gas cylinders and regulators to control the pressure inside the fuel tank. Not even as complex as a scuba rig (different pressure regime, of course) who ever is charging the far side of $150K to install these is making a killing. I imagine that if a GOP supporting firm does it, they will even get a liability waiver bill passed so insurance wouldn't be needed.

[DeepModem Mom]

5. Duh! What's wrong with me, I didn't think of that? Thanks...

for this post, Thor_MN.