FAA Ops In Southwest US Lauded For Lack Of Accidents/Incursions

Where are the safest skies in the world? Over Fort Worth (TX) and points west, according to FAA officials. The agency's southwest region has become one of the most accident-free operations in America.

The Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports controllers at Alliance Airport, north of the city, have never experienced an accident in their 15 years of operation. At Meacham Field, there hasn't been an accident reported in nine years.

"Knock on wood, we've been lucky," Meacham tower manager Gene Kasson said. "Anybody at any time, regardless of experience, can have an operational error. I don't know what it is about the region. I wish there was a magic potion you could take."

The FAA says there isn't another region in the country that can boast such a safety record. The Southwest Region is made up of a dozen towers. All but three are in Texas.

Why?

FAA officials don't rightly know. But the Star-Telegram reports they do things a little different down there.

When a vacancy pops up, the region tries to promote from within. Cuts in traffic haven't translated into cuts in tower personnel. There are good relations between the FAA and its controller unions in the region. And perhaps most importantly, controllers are trained in the towers where they serve, rather than to national standards that can overlook the eccentricities of a local airport.

And there are some eccentricities in the Southwest Region.

"Each airport has its own individual flavor," said Gail Kasson, FAA Southwest quality assurance manager. Her office evaluates safety at each facility. "Alliance is interesting -- FedEx has their service and American Airlines has a maintenance base -- heavy, heavy aircraft," she said. "Meacham is generally general aviation, so you get student pilots, which is a challenge in itself."

Within the FAA, the string of error-free operations creates its own momentum. Who'll break that string? "No one wants to be the first one," Bruce Thorson said. He's been a controller at Alliance for about a year now. "When I came here, I was told by no fewer than three people: We've never had one, and you better not have one while you're here."

'Nuff said!

FMI: www.faa.gov/asw