Captain Ron on Aviation and the Air Space Above the Hudson River

Captain Ron is a friend of Peachy Deegan's and is a retired FAA Air Traffic Control Supervisor with 26 years of experience. He is also a Commercial Pilot, Certified Flight Instructor in Single, Muliti-Engine and Instrument aircraft and an Advanced and Instrument Ground Instructor. He has logged approximately 3,000 hours of flight experience. To this end, Peachy Deegan is so pleased that he will be answering some questions for our Pilot Peachy column submitted by Whom You Know readers in regards to the air space above the Hudson River, which is quite a hot topic at the moment unfortunately due to recent tragedy.

Peachy Deegan: How have the rules of the FAA evolved over the years?
Captain Ron: The rules have changed over the years to keep up with the ever-changing aviation world. The types of aircraft, maintenance, instrumentation, on-board radio equipment, GPS, radar technology, pilot qualifications, medical requirements, airspace changes, noise abatement procedures, etc., keep the FAA busy in attempting to regulate the industry.

What have been the biggest accomplishment of the rules and which need to be revamped?
In my humble opinion the biggest accomplishment of the rule changes would be the safety record of the whole aviation community. There are very few airline accidents, the commuter airline safety record is improving and the general aviation community is holding its own also. Some smaller general aviation aircraft are better equipped than airliners were just ten years ago.
I feel the FAA reviews whatever regulation changes are needed as the situation dictates. The unfortunate mid-air collision over the Hudson River will undoubtedly bring about new procedures for controllers and pilots. The safety record of that corridor of airspace was excellent until that incident. I have flown many students over the Statue of Liberty many times, years ago. I remember the construction workers of the World Trade Centers waving at us as we flew by. We would rock the wings of the airplane to acknowledge their waves. The only issue that I can think of that deserves some regulation is the "Passenger Bill of Rights" problem. Recently, passengers had to endure eight hours of being "held captive" because of someone not having any common sense.

What would most ordinary people not realize is in the everyday occupational duties of being a FAA Air Traffic Control Supervisor?
An Air Traffic Controller Supervisor oversees the controller workforce and tries his/her best to keep a safe, orderly and expeditious flow of air traffic moving. No two days are alike. The supervisor is faced with many challenges such as training, staffing, adverse weather situations, emergencies, accidents, incidents and the list goes on and on.

Of all of the air spaces in the United States, how does the area around Manhattan compare?
I have not personally flown into other major airport areas, but I would consider the airspace around Manhattan as a challenge for any pilot or controller. The three major airports; LaGuardia, JFK and Newark are all complex and busy facilities. Add in the busier, smaller airports, such as Teterboro, and the traffic over the Hudson River, and you have some of the busiest airspace in the country. I would think other areas such as Chicago, with O'Hare and Midway Airports, would also be busy airspace.

Do you think our national aviation rules are in keeping with the best of the rules in the international community? Which countries have superior aviation rules and what makes them great?
From what I have read, our regulations appear to be the best around. Some countries are extremely restrictive, especially for general aviation aircraft. Many US flight schools have a high enrollment of foreign students because of those restrictions. The weather in the US is better and is is far, less expensive to receive the flight training here. Since 9-11-01, foreign students have to provide much more identification and information than ever before to weed out any potential terrorist activity. Did you know that the official, worldwide language for aviation is English? Anyone receiving flight training in the US has to be able to read, speak and understand the English language.

How should the air space above the Hudson river "be legislated"?
I believe a new set of procedures will be established in light of the recet mid-air collision between the helicopter and the departing fixed wing aircraft. I foresee that the helicopters will be instructed to fly at a slightly lower alititude than the aircraft who will fly down the Hudson. From what I have read, they were doing so until some noise complaints forced them to fly higher. I have compassion for people affected by aircraft noise, but I believe whole heartedly that safety is the number one concern. The aircraft departing airports, such as Teterboro, will probably be assigned a heading to fly until reaching 1,100 before joining the Hudson River, thereby ensuring altitude separation.

Are there different rules for different types of aircraft?
Yes, too many to list.

What should passengers of commercial airlines be aware of?
There can and will be delays due to many reasons; traffic, weather, mechanical problems, crew rest periods, etc. Also, be aware of those around you and report to any crew member or desk agent anything that seems out of the ordinary. Pay attention to the flight attendant when they are reviewing the safety procedures, even frequent flyers. You may be of some help to them in case of a real emergency. Flight crews receive enormous amounts of training and retraining. Think back to the US Air flight that landed in the Hudson a few months back. Capt. Sully, was calm, cool and collected during the whole episode. I would fly with him any time and I know people who have.

How about passengers of private jets?
Most passengers of private jets know each other to some degree. Be aware of the emergency procedures for that aircraft.

What else should our readers know about aviation rules that is important?
If you ever have time to read Federal Air Regulations Part 61, 91 and 123, you'll see that there are many, many rules that govern the issuance of pilot licenses and aircraft. Safety is paramount. Most rules and regulations come from someone elses bad experience. You may think all situations are covered, but something new may come up.

Thank you Captain Ron!