Average air pollution levels from secondhand smoke directly outside designated smoking areas in airports are five times higher than levels in smoke-free airports, according to a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Smoking Lounge at Washington's Dulles International Airport (Goggle)

Read more: Secondhand Smoke Inside Airports Puts Air Travelers and Employees at Risk-CDC

By Alan Price

1. A number of years ago, in recognition of the corrosion/fatigue issue with “Aging Aircraft”, an industry study committee convened and has been very active since then in identifying areas of concern, and being proactive in recommendations to deal with these issues. Two things occur as aircraft age: Corrosion becomes an issue, and second, the number of cycles (times the cabin has been pressurized) becomes a factor. The SWA 737-300 has 39,000 cycles, which is a lot of wear and tear, but with a properly maintained aircraft, usually not a problem.

2. The location and size of this breach in the fuselage is of concern, since it was unexpected. Three more SWA aircraft have shown to have similar cracks. There are proven and simple fixes for these issues, but we have to identify them and stay ahead of the problem. The NTSB investigation working with SWA and Boeing will identify the problem, craft a solution, and the FAA will issue an “AD – Airworthiness Directive” to fix the problem. These vary, depending on the nature of the problem; from recommendations to mandatory, with timelines which may be many months to comply, to immediate no flights until fixed and/or inspected.

Read more: Aging Aircraft Safety Issues

Laser pointer pranksters, be warned: the Federal Aviation Administration is coming for you! The FAA has launched a manhunt for laser-wielding criminals after a spate of suspiciously connected attacks against pilots at LaGuardia Airport

Read more: Is there a laser pointer conspiracy to blind pilots at LaGuardia?