ANCHORAGE, Alaska (KTUU) – In Alaska, where flying is often the only way to travel, Sen. Lisa Murkowski emphasized the urgent need for better technology to prevent aviation accidents. This comes in light of a tragic crash near Nome last week that took the lives of 10 people.
The Bering Air flight, heading from Unalakleet to Nome, went down on February 6 while navigating harsh winter weather over Norton Sound.
Murkowski pointed out a startling issue: many pilots in Alaska are forced to get weather updates from ground sources due to 51 out of 150 Automated Weather Observing Systems (AWOS) being out of service. “Without reliable technology, safety is at risk,” she explained. “We need to create a better safety system.”
She mentioned a new system called the Visual Weather Observation System (VWOS), which is being tested as a potential replacement for AWOS. VWOS uses a weather camera paired with certified observers to deliver precise weather information.
While VWOS may not be as advanced as AWOS, Murkowski believes it’s likely to provide more dependable data, ultimately making flying safer. Plus, it comes at a significantly lower cost—just $150,000 per unit compared to $2 million for AWOS.
However, there’s a catch: lawmakers still need to obtain certification from the Federal Aviation Administration for this new technology. “We face many obstacles that hinder progress toward safer skies,” Murkowski noted.
Currently, VWOS is being tested in five communities across the state. Murkowski acknowledged that a lack of reliable weather systems and broadband connectivity is a barrier that affects pilots’ access to crucial flying data.
“It’s not the most high-tech solution, but it will enhance safety,” she concluded.
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