Expert: Ned Dolan - 7/12/2007

Question
Hi
My family is flying from NY to Honolulu soon. I have never flown over the ocean and am a little anxious. What happens if there is mechanical trouble,etc and the plane is in the middle of the ocean?

Answer
Hi Diana, Federal Aviation Rules and common sense require that aircraft flying over the ocean are required to adhere to safety requirements that are more stringent than those flying over land. In addition they are required to fly routes that keep them within safe distances of alternate airports in case of engine failure.

Flight crews are also held to more stringent training standards if they are flying over oceans.

There have been hundreds of millions of flying hours over the oceans and I can think of no major incidents or accidents that occurred due to mechanical failure.

I think you can rest assured that your trip will be uneventful and that you will enjoy your flight.

Have fun in Hawaii,  Ned