TRIAL AND ERROR

So let me get this straight. Today is the first day of a 90 day trial in which planes flying into New York airports will be allowed to fly closer together than the current 3-mile-gap regulation.

So what exactly is the motivation behind this trial period? Last year there were 270 recorded errors in the New York area where air traffic controllers were found at fault for allowing planes to fly too close together. Under the new trial policy, the separation standard will remain at 3 miles, but the difference is that controllers won't get charged with errors if the distance becomes smaller on occasion. This, apparently, will give controllers more 'confidence' because they won't be being told off for getting it wrong all the time when under pressure to land planes quickly, and it'll also make the figures look better.

Uh?

So where does it end? 'Sorry guv - I know that plane's only a mile behind the other one - but it won't happen again 'cos I'm feeling much more confident about doing my job now'.

And what constitutes a successful trial period? Limitless near misses but no actual crash?

Watch this air space....