Fatigue or exhaustion is technically defined as “a non-pathologic state resulting in a decreased ability to maintain function or workload due to mental or physical stress.”  For pilots, studies have demonstrated two specific factors that contribute to fatigue:  sleep loss and circadian rhythm disruption.

Pilots require a certain amount of sleep “for maximal waking performance and alertness.”  Circadian rhythm disruption, or disruption of a person’s “internal body clock,” involves disruption to 24-hour biological processes, such as brain wave activity and cell regeneration, that are regulated by a person’s circadian rhythm.

Airline accidents are often catastrophic events, causing serious injury and death.  Numerous factors can contribute to airline accidents, including pilot error, airline negligence or product defects.  Therefore, it is important to contact an experienced airline crash lawyer well versed in federal aviation regulations, insurance and airline carriers.

According to current federal regulations, pilots on domestic flights must have at least eight hours of rest in any 24-hour period.  For international flights, the FAA requires airlines carriers to establish rest periods and provide “adequate sleeping facilities outside of the cockpit for in-flight rest.”

Previous attempts to modify the rules to fully address pilot fatigue have failed.  Political infighting among the aviation industry, namely large commercial airlines, smaller operators and cargo carriers and the Airline Pilots Association (ALPA) have prevented rule changes.

Aviation accidents are not limited to commercial jets or small carriers; they may involve helicopters, medivacs and gliders.  Many factors, including pilot error, can contribute to an airplane accident.  If you or a loved one has been seriously injured as a result of an aviation accident, contact the Chicago personal injury lawyers of Passen Law about your case.  Call us at (312) 527-4500 for a Free Consultation.

As winter approaches, safety hazards caused by frost, snow, slush and ice on airplane wings, as well as debris on runways become a real concern.  Even small amounts of ice or frost on airplanes can adversely affect a pilot’s ability to control the plane and lead to fatal accidents.

Airflow over the wings and tail of an airplane helps create lift.  Even a small amount of ice buildup on wing surfaces disrupts the airflow over the plane, reducing the lift force that keeps the plane in the air and making it difficult for the pilot to control the plane. The InFO release reinforces this issue, describing the loss of control as an “un-commanded roll and/or pitch movements from which the pilot could not recover.” Such loss of control is known to have caused catastrophic airline accidents.

Frost, snow, slush and ice can buildup on the wings of an airplane while the plane is on the ground, or while the plane is in the air.  FAA regulations require airplanes to be de-iced while on the ground.  The InFO release provides guidance on how to test for small amounts, or amounts that may remain after deicing. The releases suggests using visual and feel methods, and removing anything to looks or feels different from when the plane is dry, or wet from rain.

The release also suggests pilots become familiar with the look and feel of their aircraft when it is dry, and just wet from rain, so they have a baseline reference. Any debris or contaminant is to be removed immediately.  It also states “aircraft operating procedures should clearly convey that any and all frost, snow, ice, and slush contamination, no matter how spotty or thin, must be completely removed prior to flight.”

Plane accidents, whether a commercial airline or a small single engine place, are catastrophic and can lead to life-long injuries or death. Such accidents involve many parties and complex legal issues, and a top personal injury lawyer can help you identify all appropriate responsible parties and legal causes of action. Whether ice or debris contributes to an airplane crash, or the crash was due to pilot error, it is important to consult an experienced aviation accident attorney.  Call Passen Law Group at (312) 527-4500 for a free consultation with one of our attorneys.

According to the FAA , a technology called Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) is intended to replace radar currently employed by airports throughout the country.  The ADS-B system will allow “pilots and controllers will see radar-like displays with highly accurate traffic data from satellites – displays that update in real time and don’t degrade with distance or terrain.”  The system uses GPS information and data contained in an aircraft’s transponder, such as type of aircraft, speed and altitude.  Experienced airplane crash lawyers have been calling for the introduction of improved crash avoidance technology to prevent catastrophic plane accidents.

Aviation accidents of all kinds, including mid-air collisions, runway accidents or crashes, often result in catastrophic injuries, including death.  There are many factors that contribute to aviation accidents, from poor plane maintenance to faulty parts manufacturing to pilot error.  Differing factors involve different parties, and an experienced aviation accident lawyer can help you sort through the information and applicable laws to determine the right party, or parties to hold accountable.

Just as crash avoidance technology in cars and trucks holds promise for avoiding catastrophic accidents, so too, does the ADS-B system. The FAA states that pilots will have better situational awareness when flying, helping them maintain safe distances from other aircraft and thus avoiding mid-air collisions and other aviation accidents.

This technology has the ability to make all forms of transportation safer, from cars and trucks to commercial airlines and single engine planes, by alerting drivers and operators of potential dangers before it is too late.   For a free consultation with an experienced Chicago transportation accident lawyer, call Passen Law Group at (312) 527-4500.

• Airlines
• Airport controller personnel
• Governing bodies such as the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
• Aircraft manufacturers
• Aircraft parts suppliers
• Third-party charter companies

It is unlikely that any one entity is solely responsible for the negligence that caused severe injuries or death as a result of the aviation accident.  It is critical to hire an experienced aviation or personal injury lawyer to identify all potential defendants and to hold the right parties accountable.  Experienced transportation crash lawyers will conduct a thorough factual investigation into the cause of the plane crash.  Depending on the accident, there may be a negligence or products liability-based cause of action.

Negligence. or carelessness, can apply to the aircraft pilot, crew members and airport controller personnel. These groups are responsible for the safety and well being of passengers, and failure to act in a reasonable manner that results in severe injury or death may be considered negligence.  Product liability may become an issue as to the aircraft manufacturer, aircraft parts supplier and third party charter companies.  These groups are responsible for following the guidelines for building aircraft, be it an a single engine airplane, a commercial jet or helicopter.

The FAA has specific guidelines that must be met before a Standard Airworthiness Certificate, or official authorization, can be issued.  According to the FAA, a Standard Airworthiness Certificate “remains valid as long as the aircraft meets its approved type design, is in a condition for safe operation and maintenance, preventative maintenance, and alterations are performed in accordance with 14 CFR parts 21, 43, and 91.”  An experienced public transportation injury attorney has a thorough understanding of such federal regulations, and can help you determine if product liability is at fault.