According to The Glendale News-Press, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has released a draft report that details several safety issues at the Bob Hope Airport in Burbank.
The report addresses the proximity of the passenger terminal to the runway, which FAA officials have long found are too close. In 1986, the agency prohibited aircraft from taking off to the east because of safety concerns. Planes taking off to the west are safely in the air before they near the terminal and were not affected by the changes. In April of 2010, two airplanes flew precariously close to one another above the airfield, which was determined to be caused by air traffic controller error. An investigation into the incident raised once more the issue of runway safety at the airport.
The FAA report requests that the airport conduct several safety upgrades, and also discusses the option of relocating the airport terminal so it is further away from the runways. According to the report, “the airport passenger terminal location presents significant risks and compromises airport design safety standards.” Airport officials state they will make the modest adjustment requested by the FAA, which includes working with a nearby property owner to relocate a windmill as well as relocating a weather sensor near runways. They will also strengthen blast walls that help redirect aircraft exhaust. Regarding the location of the terminal, a spokesperson for the airport says that concerns have existed for many years and can’t be resolved immediately.
According to the airport spokesperson, there have not been any accidents or incidents that have caused significant danger or injury to anyone in the terminals relating to the safety issues addressed in the report. There have also been several ballot measures that have passed which limit the options for relocating the terminal away from runways, which further complicates matters. A spokesperson for the FAA states that the draft report is not final, and the agency does not have an exact timeframe for addressing the safety concerns at Bob Hope Airport.
Along with pilots and other airport personnel, including aircraft mechanics and air traffic controllers, airports themselves have a responsibility to ensure the safety of those both on the ground and in the air. If you have been injured in a commercial airplane crash, the Los Angeles aviation accident lawyers at Panish Shea & Boyle LLP can help you obtain the compensation you deserve for your injury from negligent parties. Our attorneys have successfully litigated airplane crash cases for many years and can help you understand what legal options are available to you. Contact our law office today by calling 1-877-800-1700 to learn how we can help.
