NASA has released a redacted version of a database of an anonymous survey of commercial airline pilots and mechanics. There has been controversy over these data, since they were collected three years ago and were not released until now. The original Freedom of Information Act request made by the Associated Press was denied, with the strange justification that release might cause concern among the flying public. Administrator Griffin has publicly stated that "the data are not credible" because it paints a far riskier picture than he feels is realistic.
I am perplexed by all of this. First, any scientist or engineer should know better than to dismiss data based on a personal opinion that they are not realistic. Second, if the data might cause concern, then they should be released and analyzed. Third, I believe that any agency or company should operate in a transparent manner.
I don't think NASA has handled this one very well. Read more about this at: www.nasawatch.com
Leroy Chiao
Devon Island Expedition
This blog features educational updates on my Devon Island Expedition of July 14-20, 2007. Other sites: spaceref.com/blogs/earthclassroom, www.marsonearth.org
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment