The pervasiveness of personal media devices in our society, from smart phones to tablets, isn’t arguable. They’re here and people use them often throughout their day, sometimes compulsively. We hear alot about the dangers of texting while driving. Studies show that people who are texting while driving are less able to navigate through a safety course than someone who has consumed over the legal limit of alcohol. In this case; however, the circumstances are a bit different, though very tragic.
In 2011, a pilot in Mosby Missouri was about to fly a routing medical flight to an area hospital, pick up a patient and two medical flight staff, and return to his base. During the time he was supposed to be conducting his pre-flight, the time where a pilot checks his craft for safety and orients themselves to the weather conditions, and anything else that could impact his flight, James Freudenberg was texting. Alot. Apparently, he was trying to coordinate dinner plans for later that evening. During his pre-flight, he overlooked the fact that his helicopter needed fuel. It did not have enough to make the round trip, but he didn’t and they crashed on the way back to the base. Freudenberg and the three others onboard were killed in the crash.
The FFA indicates they are looking into sweeping changes for the aircraft industry, perhaps mandating no use of personal media devices for a specific period prior to the flight. In any event, it’s a good reminder to all of us to not text while operating any motor vehicle.
If a family member or other loved one has been the victim of an aviation disaster you need an experienced aviation attorney. Please call or click to speak directly with B. Keith Williams.
Contact Us
Toll Free – 1.866.820.4457
Nashville – (615) 444-2900
Lebanon – 615.444.2900
Leave A Comment