Understanding How a Commercial Aircraft Can Disappear: Lessons from AirAsia QZ8501 and MH370
In today's modern world, the ability of a commercial aircraft to disappear is astonishing. However, this is indeed possible due to the limitations of current aircraft tracking technologies and systems. The case of AirAsia QZ8501 serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by aviation authorities in ensuring constant and reliable tracking of flights.
The Role of Radar and GPS Beacons
Commercial flights are currently monitored closely by multiple systems, but relying solely on ground-based radar presents significant limitations. Radar has a limited range, typically around 250 miles, which means it cannot cover large areas, particularly vast oceans.
Continuous monitoring can be achieved using Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) or the Global Positioning System (GPS), which provides more accurate and real-time tracking information. However, the absence of GPS beacons on all commercial aircraft can leave areas of the ocean unmonitored, leading to potential gaps in tracking.
The Case of AirAsia QZ8501
The disappearance of AirAsia QZ8501, en route from Surabaya to Singapore on December 28, 2014, highlights these limitations. The plane went missing after losing contact over Java, Indonesia. Despite the crew's last communication, the exact fate of the aircraft was unknown for nearly two weeks.
During this time, search and rescue efforts were based on the best available information, including last known positions and estimated routes. The ability to predict the aircraft's whereabouts became a critical challenge, underscoring the need for more robust and reliable tracking systems.
The Reliability of Current Tracking Systems
Current technology, such as radar and ADS-B, is generally reliable, but they rely on being in range. For flights over the ocean, where radar coverage is limited, these systems often fail. This creates a scenario where the plane can effectively 'disappear' from radar until a new signal is received or searched for.
Additionally, many commercial aircraft do not have mandated GPS beacons. This further reduces the chances of real-time tracking and makes it more difficult to locate the aircraft after a crash.
The ELT and Its Importance
AirAsia QZ8501's ELT (Emergency Locator Transmitter) was not working, which made it extremely difficult to locate the wreckage. ELTs are designed to transmit a signal when activated, often by a collision or being moved beyond a certain threshold. However, they can fail or be rendered inoperable due to various factors, such as power supply issues or maintenance neglect.
The non-functionality of the ELT highlights the need for regular checks and maintenance to ensure these critical safety devices are operational. Cost-cutting measures or neglecting mandatory safety checks can have severe consequences.
Lessons to be Learned
The case of AirAsia QZ8501 serves as a powerful lesson for the aviation industry and regulatory bodies. There is a need to improve the current monitoring and tracking systems, particularly for trans-oceanic flights, to ensure that commercial aircraft are always within the range of reliable tracking technologies.
Moreover, focusing on the maintenance and functionality of safety devices like ELTs is crucial. While the system works well in most cases, incidents like AirAsia QZ8501 demonstrate the importance of having robust safeguards in place.
Ultimately, the goal is to improve the predictability and reliability of flight monitoring, making it nearly impossible for any commercial aircraft to 'disappear' in the future.
Conclusion
While the technology exists, there is a need for a more integrated and robust system of tracking, especially for long-distance flights over vast oceans. Ensuring that safety devices like GPS beacons and ELTs are always operational is critical. The entire aviation industry and regulatory bodies must work towards these improvements to prevent future tragedies.