Air France #AF447: The search so far – some great sources of information – IAG and ATI

The search and recovery operations go on for Air France AF-447, as does my search for information. Some information I recommend as well worth reading and listening.

My good friend Addison Schonland at IAG has created and continues to create a nice series of articles and podcasts on AF447.

This article on CNN written by Kieran Daly, Editor of Air Transport Intelligence is also a “must read”.

For those Bangalore Aviation readers of a more technical mind-set – we have been hearing a lot about the possible freezing of the pitot probes (also called pitot speed sensors) on the Airbus A330, and the replacement being offered by Thales. Thales a French company, was the vendor for the pitot probes most likely model C16195BA on the Air France aircraft.

Goodrich is also a vendor of pitot tubes on Airbus aircraft and a competitor to Thales. The product documentation of their new model 0851HL pitot probe which is a replacement for the older model 0851GR pitot probe, is also very conveniently positioned as a replacement for it’s “competitor” – read Thales. The document makes some very interesting reading on the icing problem that afflicts the older pitot probes and what changes have been made to address the problem.

I must caution that I am no way implying, nor should we in any way assume, that Thales products are inferior to those of Goodrich.

All said and done we still have to wait for facts and Kieran’s words best summarises my feelings “But the fact remains that this is today speculation”.

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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