AIRWAYS INDUSTRY
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5 NTSB photo of a burned auxiliary power unit battery from a Japan Airlines Boeing 787 that caught fire on January 7 , 2013 at Boston ’ s Logan International Airport . The incident prompted the FAA to order a review into the design and manufacture of the Dreamliner , followed by a full grounding of the entire fleet . // NTSB actively explores emerging technologies with the potential to revolutionize safety in the skies . Here , we explore two key advancements poised to make a significant impact .
AUTONOMOUS LANDING SYSTEMS
Human error can sometimes play a role in landing incidents . These next-generation systems have the potential to mitigate this risk by assuming some control during the critical landing phase . While still under development , autonomous landing systems hold immense promise for reducing runway incursions and improving overall landing precision . Imagine a scenario in which these systems act as robotic co-Pilots , analyzing data and executing maneuvers with unparalleled accuracy , even in challenging weather conditions . This collaboration has the potential to significantly reduce runway incursions and improve overall landing safety , ensuring smoother and more predictable arrivals for passengers .
ADVANCED WEATHER MONITORING
AND PREDICTION ` For any Pilot , real-time weather data are an invaluable tool . Advanced weather monitoring and prediction systems are poised to take all available information a step further , providing Pilots with a sharper , more accurate picture of the atmospheric conditions than ever before . Think about a future in which these sophisticated systems can predict not only current weather patterns but also potential microbursts or turbulence far in advance . Pilots would be able to make proactive decisions
54 AIRWAYS MAGAZINE JUNE 2024 www . airwaysmag . com