Planes Sent Toward Storms to Test Air Traffic Controller

Another controller nodded off in Nevada yesterday

(NEWSER) - The head of the FAA’s Air Traffic Organization resigned today, amid a wave of reports of air traffic controllers sleeping on the job . Hank Krakowski submitted his resignation this morning to FAA chief Randy Babbitt, the Washington Post reports, who promised a “top to bottom” review of the air traffic control system he leaves behind. More»

(NEWSER) - A computer glitch in an FAA computer system caused flight delays around the country today, the Wall Street Journal reports. The situation appeared to be easing this evening as airports—Atlanta, Chicago, and Boston were hardest hit—got back on track. The snag hit one of two FAA facilities that processes flight-approval plans. Air-traffic controllers said the error did not pose any safety risks, but it has raised questions about whether the FAA needs a better back-up system. More»

Ground incidents increase over last six months

(NEWSER) - FAA-mandated wiring fixes have grounded thousands of flights lately, but the runway is no safe place for planes, New York Times reports. Serious runway incidents nearly doubled to 15 over the past six months, compared with the same period a year ago. “Where we are most vulnerable at this moment is on the ground,” said the chairman of the National Transportation Safety Board. More»

More than 26% of all domestic flights were late or canceled

(NEWSER) - It's now official: 2007 was an awful year for airline delays—the worst since the record delays of 2000. More than 26% of domestic flights were delayed or canceled, due to huge demand and a growing swarm of small planes gobbling up runway space, reports the AP. The airline with the best record was Hawaii's Aloha Airlines, with a 93% on-time arrival rate. More»

Aims to shave jet fuel costs in unprecedented deal

(NEWSER) - Delta Air Lines is pocketing a Pennsylvania oil refinery in an industry-first move to clip its ever-burgeoning jet fuel costs, which soared to $12 billion last year. The $150 million deal—about the cost of a new jetliner, notes Reuters —is set to satisfy 80% of the airline's US fuel needs, while simultaneously saving it $300 million a year. Delta will also sink $100 million into upgrades at the idled ConocoPhillips plant in Trainer, Pa., so that it can better refine jet fuel. More»