Impact and Lessons Learned
Since very early after the disappearance of MH370, it was clear for me that failing to scramble military jets to intercept the MH370 was a major mistake, and I published this first lesson on 20 March 2014 [B13]. In 2018 we did an post-MH370 impact analysis for EUROCONTROL [B15].
In preparation of my 2024 keynote presentations and webinars, I asked ChatGPT 4 to summarize the lessons learned from the MH370 case and the results are presented below, with my comments:
| ChatGPT 4.0 Measure | Our Comments |
|---|---|
| 1. **Global Aircraft Tracking:** One of the most significant outcomes was the push for better tracking of commercial aircraft. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) adopted new standards for aircraft tracking, requiring operators to track their aircraft in distress at least every minute. | Very significant safety measure, albeit not effective in the case of MH370 |
| 2. **Improved Communication Systems:** Efforts have been made to enhance communication systems to ensure continuous, real-time communication between aircraft and ground control, even over remote areas like oceans. | Safety measure, not effective in the case of MH370 |
| 3. **Enhanced Flight Data Recovery:** There's been a push for aircraft to be equipped with deployable flight recorders and locating devices, which can float on water, making them easier to find in case of an oceanic crash. | This is the only idea which would have helped to find the MH370. We tried to patent this idea in 2014, but failed because the patent law does not cover so-called safety devices [B15] |
| 4. **Increased Battery Life of Underwater Locator Beacons:** The battery life of underwater locator beacons (ULBs) attached to the flight recorders has been extended from 30 days to 90 days, to allow more time for search and recovery operations. | Good measure, not sufficient in the case of MH370, which would have required 8 months of battery life |
| 5. **Autonomous Distress Tracking Systems:** New regulations have encouraged the adoption of autonomous distress tracking systems, which can provide accurate location information in real-time during distress situations. | This is already implemented as the COSPAS/SARSAT 406 MHz emergency system, and it does not cover the submerged wreckage of aircraft |
| 6. **Mental Health and Security Checks:** There's been an increased emphasis on the mental health and security background checks of airline staff, including pilots, to enhance safety and security. | This is common sense and has always been |
| 7. **International Cooperation and Data Sharing:** The incident highlighted the need for better international cooperation and data sharing in the search and rescue operations, leading to improved protocols and agreements between countries. | This is a double-edge sword, since there are some terrorist state actors |
| 8. **Route Planning and Risk Assessment:** Airlines are now more vigilant in route planning, especially over conflict zones or remote areas, with enhanced risk assessment protocols to avoid potential threats. | This would have helped with MH17, but does not apply to MH370 |
| 9. **Passenger Screening and Security:** Security measures at airports, including passenger screening and baggage checks, have been tightened, with more sophisticated technologies being deployed. | Boarding with false identity should be denied anyway |
| 10. **Research and Development:** Increased investment in research and development to explore new technologies and innovations that can further improve aeronautical safety and security. | As a research team involved in MH370 from the beginning, we do not see this. We have always used our own money for our research, not even our university bothered to fund it |
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