Customer Reviews

The Plane Truth: Airline Crashes, the Media, and Transportation Policy

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

I have never been able to explain why I am so interested in aircraft accidents. Whatever the reason, I have read a fair number of books describing both accidents and investigations and this is the first book I have ever come across that takes a look at the effect of high profile accidents on the rules around the airline industry. To be fair, this book does not pack the dramatic punch of a book that is covering just an accident. It does do a good job of looking at accidents and their effect on public policy.

The findings of the authors were a bit surprising for me given that they show that most of what is done in the way of new regulations is reactionary and limited in effectiveness. I guess it should not be a surprise that politicians would gravitate to high profile events and then try to capture some votes via mindless grandstanding and marginally effect legislation. Overall I found the book interesting and somewhat eye opening. It paints a rather negative view of the FAA, which I had not seen is such a blunt fashion before. It is a bit dry in spots and the authors found it difficult to keep sections detailing government regulation moving at a good pace. If you are interested in the aircraft industry then I think you will find this book enjoyable.