Air-traffic control in 'mayem'

Article Abstract:

As UK air traffic controllers struggle to cope with a continual increase in numbers of flights, concern has arisen over the safety of the system which went into 'mayhem' a record 18 times from February to June 1998. On one occasion in 1998 UK airspace fell into 'chaos' and was 'extremely dangerous' when 50 planes entered an area where the safe maximum was considered to be 42, according to air traffic controllers. The UK newspaper, The Independent, obtained a letter from a controller to the Civil Aviation Authority detailing the incident and claiming there was no safe place to put the aircraft. In the whole of 1997 there were only 12 reported 'overload' cases where controllers believe the number of aircraft being handled might mean they may not be able to separate them safely. At the current rate of increase there will probably be a record 40 occurrences in 1998. A CAA spokesman claimed that overload limits have built-in safety margins' and that UK airspace is 4 times safer than the world average. However, as aircraft traffic is set to grow by 6% a year the situation is not expected to improve, although a new high-tech air traffic control centre is being built at Stanwick which is designed to cope with a 40% increase. The centre is facing software troubles however, and is unlikely to open by 2000, according to industry sources. Meanwhile, UK ministers are calling for a public/private partnership which would allow firms to pay for the investment needed in national air traffic safety. Controllers are concerned that private firms might put profit before safety though.

Comment:

UK: Air traffic controllers struggle to cope w/ increased numbers of flights as 1998 may see record increase in traffic overload

Air Traffic Control, Article

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Feisty queen of the National

Article Abstract:

Racehorse trainer Jenny Pitman has become very closely associated with the Grant National. She has had at least one horse in this race every year since 1981, and won the race in 1983 and 1995. Her rise to prominence as a trainer began with the break-up of her marriage to jockey Richard Pitman, as she used her work with horses to help her overcome the trauma of her divorce. She has frequently clashed with journalists, jockeys and the racing authorities, but she has gained widespread support among ordinary horse racing fans.

Horses, Horse and Other Equine Production, Influence, Racehorse trainers

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Gasman turns up the heat for customers

Article Abstract:

It is important to take a team approach to management, according to Centrica Chief Executive Roy Gardner. He believes that employees should be aware of how they will contribute to the common goal, and seeks to encourage innovation. He wants Centrica to become the supplier of choice for energy and services in the UK. He feels that the group must expand the range of products and services it provides for consumers.

Comment:

Has reported that its team approach to management is successful

Gas Utilities, Natural Gas Distribution, Officials and employees, Interview, Centrica PLC, Gardner, Roy A.

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