Brazzil

She's got it right.However, it is even worse than her analysis indicates.

[quoteJosé Carlos Pereira, the former President of Infraero, was replaced by Sérgio Gaudenzi just two weeks after the most recent crash. During his term in office, Pereira was convinced that "it is not the best moment to carry out changes," and was unwilling to accept that there was a need for reorganization of Brazil's military-controlled air system.

Pereira tried to defend himself against such accusations and said that he was aware of the airport's overload and insufficient resources and criticized the policy of Brazilian commercial airline companies, which in turn, were driven by a desire to increase market-share. This exerted sustained pressure on him to maintain heavy use of the small and antiquated Congonhas airport as Brazil's main domestic hub for short-haul flights.

]

Aviation Chaos? There exists none in our skies. It is all American invention and dont fall for it.If necessary, we will bring Baghdad Bob to contest your views.

As for Brig.Pereira: Just because the old sod has a sharp tongue, you dont have to be nasty towards him. In good ole Pereira, we trust.btw, he was the first one to say that the accident with Gol 1907 happenend because of the "Distração". The Brigadier is very good and we all know it. So dont try to pick on my friend Brig.Pereira. Apt candidates would be Denise,Milton,etc; who got the medals for their stupenduous performance in improving the safety of the aviation in this country.

Ah, if you guys keep on picking on ole Pereira, he would be very upset and decide to move to Angra,Cabo Frio,etc; and retire once and for all. And then decide to come as a blogger in this site.

And typical of Brazil finger pointing at everyone else, refusing to take any responsibility. Case in point the immediate blame of the American pilots in the Gol crash. What better way to deflect scrutiny of a system that they knew was f**ked up and surely caused the crash, not professional American trained pilots. Still, while Lula is "afraid" to confront the military (maybe things have not changed that much in South America) you can hardley blame him for a decades old problem.

Let's face it, Brazil is still a Bananna Republic, always taking one step forward and then 3 steps back. I would rather fly Air Samolia than a Brazilian airlines. A bunch of incompetent, over compensated aviation officals and staffs that refuse to take responsibility for their short comings, just want to get to their fat retirements that go on for generations. The flaps (thrusters) on the plane don't work, the runway is too short, or too wet, the radar is out...it is comic. Let's see all of you Brazilians on this Blog now come up with some bulls**t nonsense to explain it all away...geez, the next crash is inevitable.

that Osama Bin Lula is afraid of confronting the miitary. He is afraid, period.He enthusiastically avoids ALL confrontations. H's got the spine of a jellyfish and the ethics of an intestinal parasite.
He is a lying, cheating, double-crossing, gutless agglomeration of deteriorated pond scum.
And 60% of brazilians love him!
This country of ours is SO

f**ked!

A bunch of incompetent, over compensated aviation officals and staffs that refuse to take responsibility for their short comings, just want to get to their fat retirements that go on for generations.

"their fat retirements that go on for generations".You should be the last one to complain about it.Otherwise,you would be ending up sustaining your brothers-in-law in Pleasanton.Consider your self lucky (for obvious reasons)

Well known deficiencies known much earlier than the first plane crash....but hidden as usual just as everything.....FOR YEARS !
Funny that right after the tragedy, the Brazilian government made it loud and clear....that Brazil had one of the best Air Security.....
IN THE WORLD !
I suppose they meant........Brazil had one of the best Air Security.....WITHIN THE PLANET.....THIRD WORLD COUNTRIES !!!.


Funny too to read in the above article.....that the runway WAS REPAVED....MONTHS BEFORE THE CRASH !
iF IT WAS REALLY ALREADY REPAVED......WHY NEED A NEW REPAVEMENT ?
Was the first repavement not really made....but billed and paid ! And money disappeared in the pockets of a few Lula friends ?
Ohhhhhhh......and the new repavement will have a cost of US$ 7 millions ! Strange Isnt It ???????

More contradictory than the Government explanations.....THERE IS NOT ON EARTH !

It is crazy Joao. As you know my wife's father was an Admiral in the Brazilian Navy, he died 8 years ago and his wife (my retched mother-in-law) has been drawing his very nice retirement ever since, she is 80 now. You would think after she died, that would be it...but know, his 2 daughters get to split it for another generation. The sons are not included.

The sons are not included.

I know that it is crazy,GTY. But what do the sons do? Because, I have a couple of stories to tell. My comment was indirectly a response to your earlier one about spolit brats living with their Mommies till 40! btw, if I recall the law correctly, married daugters of the Admirals are not elegible for the pension after their wives pass away.Only the spinster daughters. Our new friend "Brazilian Dude" will be able to clarify this issue.Or a Brazilian lawyer in this blog.

Who knows, they changed the law recently. Anything is possible,considering the fact that Capt.Lamarca was posthumously promoted a General and his family gets the pension,besides the lump some money they received. Your wife may be able to narrate this story to you

Pereira tried to defend himself. . . and said that he was aware of the airport's overload and insufficient resources. . .and the airline companies, which in turn, were driven by a desire to increase market-share. . .EXERTED SUSTAINED PREASURE ON HIM to maintain heavy use of the small and antiquated Congonhas airport. . .What the hell?

Pereira should be prosecuted for gross neglegence, reckless endangerment and 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter. The buck stopped with Pereira and he spent it. Jobim fired him because of incompetence and Pires was fired because he was incompetent. It seems that the motto on the Brasilian flag should read "Non Compos Mentis'.

Unmarried , unemployed/underemployed daughters are eligible for pensions (underemployed meaning having an official, carteira assinada job that officially pays less than a swabbie's monthly income).Not only that, but they are eligible to health care, (dental included).
Guess what smart daughters do? Yup, they voluntarily remain unemployed or employed in low-paying or unverifyable jobs.And never, ever admit to having a stable relationship.
The law remains the same, João.Too many high ranking interests involved.
Being the geek I am, read all about it in google...but you probably guessed that already...

non compos mentis

Gee,AES,you dont have to frighten poor Jõao with such buzz word. I guess it means "NOT IN COMMAND" in English!

Pereira should be prosecuted for gross neglegence, reckless endangerment and 200 counts of involuntary manslaughter.

In defense of Pereira (not that my defense matters), he did get a hot potato from a guy by name Carlos Wilson in April/May of 2006. His hands were tied and he was blindly loyal to his top boss . He should have demanded changes in INFRAERO,ANAC and recommended the restructuring of the whole Civil Aviation, immediately after the Gol 1907 tragedy. He was in a position to put pressure,but he did not. His only crime was his blind loyalty to his immediate boss, Pires and the Headman. As for Pires, he was always a Military hater and his objective was to weaken the Armed Forces.

As for Jobim, I wouldnt put too much faith on him. I dont know if you read the newspapers, Lula wanted to fire all the directors of ANAC (his Cumpanheiros) and still they are hanging on to their jobs.I dont think that Jobim is too keen to fire them either.

Guess what smart daughters do? Yup, they voluntarily remain unemployed or employed in low-paying or unverifyable jobs.And never, ever admit to having a stable relationship.
The law remains the same, João.Too many high ranking interests involved.
Being the geek I am, read all about it in google...but you probably guessed that already...

Roger Dude. So, GTY´s wife is not eligible for the pension,unless she is not legally married to him.Her sister is if she is single with "Amizade Colorida"

My wife being Brazilian acts Brazilian when it works. Since we were married here in the US and the marriage has never been recorded in Brazil...guess what, she can have the retirement check deposited into a Brazilian bank the minute her mother passes away. All you Brazilians and those who know Brazil also know, there are 100 ways to cheat the system. It's funny although my wife does not need the money and it could be used for much nobler purposes...she still feels she is obligated to recieve it...we have had several discussions over this...I still think it's nuts.

It's funny although my wife does not need the money and it could be used for much nobler purposes...she still feels she is obligated to recieve it...we have had several discussions over this...I still think it's nuts.

She is saving for the rainy days,Lad

It never rains in Pleasanton. Just had my new churassco and smoker delivered...wow, it is really something.

Brazilians feel it is their patriotic duty to f**k the system back.Anyone who does not do so is labelled an "otário" (sucker).
In brazil, being "esperto" (smartly dishonest), especially for a carioca, is a reason for pride.
Rio is chaos... covered up by hype and bulls**t.It figures it would be the national capital of "levar vantagem" (taking advantage of circomstances or people, in a dishonest way).
It is a cultural imperative for your wife.Get used to it.That is immutable for a carioca.

Rio is chaos... covered up by hype and bulls**t.It figures it would be the national capital of "levar vantagem" (taking advantage of circomstances or people, in a dishonest way).
It is a cultural imperative for your wife.Get used to it.That is immutable for a carioca.

Sorry, but it's not just cariocas. They do it all over the northeast. Dishonest people, and not only proud of it, but think those that aren't are stupid!

as I have said before, you are in one of the worst,most backwards regions of Brazil.
Not in infrastructure, but in worldview.(Bin Lula is an example)
Rio is just well-publicized for being larger and more in the national limelight.
I say again: there are places where that is different. But you gotta go from São Paulo southwards to see it.
Gty and his carioca will never,ever see eye to eye on this. Maybe you had the same problem with your ex.

The worst part is "family". My wife being married to a Gringo is like her being married to a bank or hotel. Believe it or not, I tried to help them make a few bucks on a real estate deal in Cabo Frio and they tried to screw me, her frigging brother is still living in one of the condos when we should be selling it.

Every time there is a "problem", there tehy are there with their hands out...and she comes from a well to do family in Zona Sul! Our Brazilian friends here in the US for the most part a very self sufficent and really ask for financial help, mostly advice. But she has one "friend" in Orlando who we are always sending a hundred buck here and there because of their situation, they came by the house recently in a brand new Audi 4! Your right, we will never see eye to eye on this, but I have given up worrying about it...life is to short.

I am Brazilian born. Married a Brazilian once and never again.

I am an American and I always dated Americans. I ended up marring a
local girl from San Diego. We've been married for 6 years. No cultural clash,
no wanting to return, no "jeitinho" and a bunch of other BS that comes
when you get to share your life with someone from a different culture.

Some like it.. it would never work for me.. good luck

Certainly not when brazilians are involved !
Manslaughter accusations are always Only for foreigners. Such as the US pilots !

There are parts of brazil where this "jeitinho" and "levar vantagem" and "se aproveitar" are frowned upon, and where being a mommy's boy living with your parents is unnaceptable.It feels like living in another country. Try and visit them, guys. It'll give you a different perspective on things.

There are parts of brazil where this "jeitinho" and "levar vantagem" and "se aproveitar" are frowned upon, and where being a mommy's boy living with your parents is unnaceptable.It feels like living in another country. Try and visit them, guys. It'll give you a different perspective on things.

I, and I think most, know you're right. But, it's quite the exception, and not the rule.

But you gotta go from São Paulo southwards to see it.

that's quite a minority of Brazil!

São paulo and the southern states answer for most of Brazil's GDP, The existence of a more serious attitude and work ethic in this same region is not a coincidence.
Rio and the northeast are the most historically influenced by Portugal and the portuguese royals.They set up the system you see, with all its negative characteristics.Being friends with the royals and nobles meant more than your merits or abilities.Ever been to portugal? Depressing country.It is being dragged along by the E.U. and propped up by massive cash injections.
São Paulo and the southern states, on the other hand, have their culture strongly influenced by immigrants fleeing from hunger in f**ked-up economies, used to hardship, and willing to work their butts off for a better life.Sound familiar? Self-sufficiency is prized, and people are proud to say they can fend for themselves.A very different mindset.
However: that leaves the north, northeast, and part of the southeast as places where "the brazilian way"(in a very negative sense of the word) is the norm.
Fer christ's sake, if you can't take your kid north to the U.S., take her south.
Do a recon of the area first, don't take my word for it.João may be able to give you some hands-on intel.

Joao... knows I live south of Floripa but unfortunately the city I live was founded by the Portuguese from the Azores and culture is still stuck back 300 years ago. The Germans, Italis and Polish have made some influence which is good but the city f**ked up. It's in a time warp.... Mullet is the fish to be all here as a table fish ( Tainhia) ...but they don't know that it is used only for pet food in the UK and Ireland. Or that the Bay of Mullet even exists in the north west coast of Ireland where the name and the fish came from in the first place..

Do a recon of the area first, don't take my word for it.João may be able to give you some hands-on intel.

Thanks for the confidence bestowed upon me. I have lots of Intel on not only on SC/PR,but also on Bo and Doggy Daddy. I dont have Intel on you, but intend getting it !

A sound advice you gave to Bo. Do you know that Doggy Daddy is involved in a fantastic project? As for Doggy daddy´s comments, I agree to certain extent,but my advice is to go interior (or to the interior of the capital).

Dude, which state were you born? Clue me in,please.

This blog is getting more and more interesting.

1. “officials have been quick to accuse the short runway”: Congonhas has the same size as Chicago/Midway and Washigton/Regan runways.

2. “dangerous weather conditions”: there as a drizzle when Airbus landed.

3. “insufficient security precautions”: be more precise.

4. “With this latest tragedy, questions are now being raised over the military's competence in handling this responsibility…”: this was not an issue in Congonhas accident.

“when 154 people were killed in a mid-air collision between two planes flying”: Legacy’s pilots misunderstood ATC instructions, and lost radio and transponder signal when they crossed Brasilia (Brazil’s capital), one hour before collision.

Carlos, with all due respect,I must say that we are all on a witch hunnt.I would rather wait till the full report on the Gol 1907 comes out.The same applies to TAM 3504 tragedy too.

In the meantime, my question: Would you be willing to fly into Congonhas with a fully loaded Airbus 320,on a wet Runway, without grooving. Did you know that Clube Bahamas was reopened? This club is just on the landing path of the air planes.I have landed on harier situations ,but not with high rise buildings surrounding the air strip they have at Congonhas.

Carlos, I really dont want to argue with you until the final reports come out.

My posts are chock-full of info on me.Unless I am very much mistaken, you collate them into files separated by name, where you join the dots on us.And my verifyables are quite revealing.
I'll stick to saying I'm just a normal Joe, dig?
Loose lips sink ships.

Loose lips sink ships.

That was a good one

"200 counts of involuntary manslaughter."

Stick to the point and dont come out with some bulls**t unrelated to the topic under discussion.

btw, I thought you got drowned your self in Lake Geneva

English saying...

Kids here found that small chunks of hot dog caught fish better than worms or imitations. Even better if they have a bit of Ch.c. inside. Guess since there is an apprehension in the judiciary about firing off indictments / charges for the 200 at CGH there's time to drowned a worm (or a Ch.c. dog). Wish our favorite arid Zona man would chime in (Prof).

B. dude, don't worry about JDS intimating about you, he already knows more than you have revealed in the titles and text of your posts. So long as you don't give him cause he won't resort to using the aussie snoops to localize your IP. You can worry even less if you're inland far enough / far from navigateable streams as your coordinates (which he will call in if need be) would be out of the reach of forrests big gun.

B. dude, don't worry about JDS intimating about you, he already knows more than you have revealed in the titles and text of your posts. So long as you don't give him cause he won't resort to using the aussie snoops to localize your IP.

Simpleton,you trying to character assaninate my honorable person? You will never succeed,because, if I want I can easily find your IP address,just by making a phone call to John Howard.

btw,Dude, Simpleton is a sucker for our Sanseis ( e Não sei)

(which he will call in if need be) would be out of the reach of forrests big gun.

You got it right. Forrest is on a stand by mode and he will be be happy to of assistance,if I send him a coded message!

I guess I'll chill.Knowing the jarhead's history, all I gotta do is hang out in our indigenous environments.He's been to one green,wet hell before.I guess he'll pass on another chance to do it...
Besides, João is a crusty old gentleman from an old-school style crew. We're just a bunch of old geezers which are quite harmless...(unlike forrest and his heavy-duty hardware...)

Do a recon of the area first, don't take my word for it.João may be able to give you some hands-on intel.

Once again, you don't have to tell me a thing. I've been to SC, I've been to Sao Paulo, both the capitol (at least 5 times and the first time I spent 60 days there as my 6 month old daughter at the time had life saving heart surgery at INCOR, funny story about that, although not at the time, that I'll elaborate on in a minute), and the interior. I know the south of Brazil is different than the northeast, but, when one talks about Brazil, or the U.S., or any country, I certainly wouldn't generalize concerning only the "pockets" where the best conditions exist. I wouldn't generalize about the economy in the U.S. and talk about the state of California, which if were a country would have the 5th largest GNP on the planet.

So, once again, the stereotypes that Brazil posesses, most of them, in my experience, are very valid. Are there exceptions? Naturally so.

Now, for my story at the Institute do Coracão in Sao Paulo. My daughter was 6 months old and was having life saving heart surgery. She had been misdiagnosed here in AJU (surprise) and we took her to INCOR after my ex's cousin, who is an international award winning physician in her field at Albert Einstein, spoke to the cardiologist here in our city and told us to get on a plane immediately. Within 12 hours after our arrival they performed the surgery and it went well but now was the recovery period, which was going to be somewhat lengthy. Naturally I spent a lot of time in the hospital but also got to experience Sao Paulo....and I loved it! Great international city, great restaurants, people with a different level of education than AJU for sure, was really enjoying myself.

Well, several days after my daughters surgery we're (my ex, myself and the ex-sogra) sitting in the lobby of INCOR, the main lobby, everyone chatting, I'm reading a magazine, and I look over my shoulder and coming into the entrance is a cop dressed in a swat outfit in crouched position and automatic rifle raised. He makes eye contact with me and gives me the "get down" sign. I couldn't believe what I was seeing initially but then told everyone close to me to get down on the floor. The police entered and told everyone in the lobby to go back into the administration offices. People started to panic and we went into the admin offices and they locked the doors. We didn't know what the hell was going on but when we looked out the windows there were police everywhere. Within 30 minutes there was a group of at least 1000 people outside, journalists everywhere and we could hear and see a couple of helicopters overhead. Well, two guys and a woman had went up to the second or third floor and were robbing the place and had taken hostages. From what I was told they went to a place in the hospital that has passes for buses and food. The police caught the people without incident and they escorted these people out right in front of me. The young lady criminal was very attractive and dressed as if she just came from working in a fashion show. It was seriously something out of the movies. As if heart surgery on your six month old isn't stressful enough, at INCOR they throw in a free kidnapping and SWAT rescue to boot!

we're saying the same thing: most of Brazil s a disater,but a small part of it feels totally different.I would not generalize about brazil based on São Paulo and the south.And I don't think that model will be "exported" to other states (politically inviable).
Howevr, it only seerves to show that what makes a difference is the WAY people do things, not the people themselves.Migrnts from the NE in SP either adapted to the cities way of life, or were quickly on their way back to their points of origin.Those who stayed retained their accent,but work like locals.Not to mention putting themselves through additional education(a must-have requiement from the competitive work market there).
Fidel Castro (yeah, even him) went as far as to say (I heard this, but couldn't verify.It sounds good,though... ) that Brazil was a very lucky country, for it had as its neighbor a friendly first-world country called São Paulo.
Personally, I think that saying that is going a bit too far.São Paulo isn't quite a first world enclave in Brazil. But it comes close to that, and will tend to become so.And the south falls into the same category.
BTW, the cop you saw was from GATE. They're cool as cucumbers and not at all trigger-happy. They are SP's SWAT.Careful,well trained types.You were quite safe (within reason).
Just remember that despite the reduced physical size,the economic importance of the region is overwhelming.Hopefully that will slowly drag others along.
I don't think I'll live to see any significant improvement in the f**ked-up regions of brazil.It's an uphill battle against centuries of a pathetic worldview.What I do hope to see is the part of Brazil that does work in a different way progress to the point of first-world countries, so as to "contaminate" the rest.
Meanwhile, at least you got an option if your kid decides she's gonna stay in Brazil no matter what...

I won't disagree with any of you. Most of my Brazilian business associates are hard working entrepunuers from the interior of SP. Upper middle class who are trying to make it in a sea of corruption and regulation, I have learned how bad the situation is from them...not from this blog, up to and including watching them pay bribes at customs to clear shipments. It IS the Brazilian way, get as much as you can by working for it as little as you can. This is centuries old and cultural, a way of life brought by the Portuguese and kept by the masses. Where is Lula in all this? He has disappeared? A non factor who would probably be re-elected.

Bo my hospital story is not as dramatic as yours, but it demonstrates what we are talking about. My oldest son was 19 and visting us from college when we lived in Rio (he speaks fluent Portuguese). He tripped in our apartment and broke his foot. We took him to what we had been told was the best hospital in Zona Sul. The line there looked like the line for Space Mountian on a 3 day weekend. Of course I found an orderly that was very happy to accept the R$200 I offered him...and presto...back he came with a wheel chair and to the front of the line we went. The doctor of course set his foot, the hosptital in Boston of course had to reset it when he returned to school because they had f**ked it up.

What as mess, has been and always will be. It is easier to accept that and enjoy the many great things Brazil has to offer, butthat doesn't prevent a person from feeling sorry for those FEW Brazilians with some morality and intestinal fortitude, they lose everytime.

I think we have a consensus developing here....

I have learned how bad the situation is from them...not from this blog, up to and including watching them pay bribes at customs to clear shipments.

This is an interesting comment. Years ago the militray government put together a good team of Receita Federal Customs Officers, recruiting the cream of fresh college graduates through tough Selection Exams. They used to give real consultancy to the businessmen who wanted to import or export without expecting anything in return. However, over the years, the entire scenario changed. I am also aware that the foreign trade now is in the hands of politicians for obvious reasons and centralized in SP or Rio.

The "Privatizations" we all love and talk about benefited only very few ones and instead of cutting bureaucracy,it did increase the red tape.I will cite an example. Formerly, though the postal service, you can get samples or other items of low cost from overseas. In our state, the Postal service and the Customs work closely and to clear a parcel, it was as easy as clearing the samples in any developed country.

However, after the Private Courier services came into picture, it has become a night mare. Their operations are centralized in Rio or SP and the companies harass the customers to clear the parcels. Recently a foreign visiting professor was to receive a small free sample from his university and in spite of his asking them to send by regular Mail Service, the people there opted for a famous Courier service. It was stuck at a city in the interior of SP and the Dumb Broad in charge sent 70 page write up on rules and regulations and demanded several documents. The poor guy found out that his time as well as that of his colleagues was being wasted,though the purpose of getting the sample was to GENERATE BUSINESS for the lab he set up at the University. His final answer to the Courier Service was to tell them to return the sample to the sender!

I dont think he is now too enthusiastic about bringing foreign funding to his lab nor to the university!!

Most of my Brazilian business associates are hard working entrepunuers from the interior of SP. Upper middle class who are trying to make it in a sea of corruption and regulation, I have learned how bad the situation is from them...not from this blog, up to and including watching them pay bribes at customs to clear shipments.

The problem with your Paulista Business Associates is that they ,with their financial and political clout ,can do much more than us to question the corruption and the damage it is doing to the economy and the destroying our moral values,but they dont want to.Instead,they prefer to pay and export corruption to other states.Another amusing thing I have experienced is talking to such people who constantly complain about the violent crime rate in their capital and decided to move away from there to escape "the violence". Then they complain about the honest and hard working people from PR/SC/RS for their "lack of culture"

GTY,a good news for ya: I read that your favorite joint "Clube Bahamas" has been reopened. So you might want to fly a B777 and land at Congonhas to check in directly into the Bahamas

Unfortunaly, my Clube Bahamas days are probably limited, I will miss all my "friends" there very much. My new responsibilites will alas take me to more civilized places...places like China, India and Eastern Europe. There is hope, I have found that here is always an opportunity to meet new "friends" no matter where you travel. I am looking forward to seeing some of the Amazon scenery next week and I don't mean on the river.

A 777 into Conganhos???...are you nuts!!!

That's why he said "to check in directly into the Bahamas"... he meant aircraft and all...

"Carlos, I really dont want to argue with you until the final reports come out".
It would be niceif you read my blog and publish your comments there. I live 500mts of Congonhas runway end. I was at home at accident time. I keep what I said.

The man's got a point (Carlos, I mean.). Checked out his blog, and he is coherent.I believe an interesting exchange could develop.
BTW, Carlos: Have you ever been in uniform? I ask that because I have the impression you make presumptions about our military which don't quite fit what those who happened to be in the armed forces experienced...
And if you were in uniform, were you in the frontline troops or were you a REMF(office worker)?

That's why he said "to check in directly into the Bahamas"... he meant aircraft and all

That is what I meant just to let you know that "sense of humor" is not a monopoly of the Americans.Dude got it

"[...] have the impression you make presumptions about our military[...]"
When, where, why, what...
Sorry, I didn't understand what you mean.
But I've never been in uniform.

The man's got a point (Carlos, I mean.). Checked out his blog, and he is coherent

Carlos,please post here the address.I am unable to locate your blog.However, glad to know that your home and family were not affected during theTAM accident.

See my blog http://airbrazil.blogspot.com
I will be glad to comment with anyone.

all you gotta do is click on his name.

Specifically,when talking about the gol accident, it seems (I am not sure, hence the word "impression") you believe the military's side of the story.They insist they did follow standard procedure, and that there are no radio/radar blackout areas in our airspace, besides conveniently glossing over the fact that no aircraft is supposed to be able to fly around unsupervised and unchallenged.(can you imagine how easy it is for drugs to be smuggled in by a small monoprop, if a relatively large Legacy went AWOL in our skies?).
I asked about being in the military because it is very hard for a civilian to understand the dynamics, thought, and motivations/reactions of the brazilian military.Honesty (especially in relation to exposing themselves to civilians) is not accepted.Do you have pilot friends, or people that work in the aeronautical sector you know? they might give you an idea of what I'm talking about.
The Congonhas accident is a different story.Flight control doesn't factor in, but several other parts do.And the characteristic secrecy is also maintained.
We might start by asking some questions, to Infraero, to Airbus, to Tam(Tansportes Aéreos Mortais - check their history...),and to Anac.

What would prefer that you comment my posts in my blog, because I don't speak english very well. You are brazilian, don't you?

I'm prefer not to guess and deal with facts. Legacy's pilots loose radar/transponder signal when they crossed Brasilia VOR!!! They weren't in a blokout area. They keep out of contact for almost one hour!!! When ATC said them "keep FL370", they had not reached Brasilia, they were 40 miles far. They should descend to FL360 when they reached Brasilia. What ATC should had said them? Hey guys, when you are in Brasilia VOR, you have to descent to FL360, don't forget, boys.

I'm not miliary, I'm not "petralha", I'm not politician. I am a engineer, with master degree in strategic financial management. I'm CIO of an european publisher company in Brazil.

I apologyese. I can't correct my poor english after posting.

Thanks Dude,for pointing out that I missed doing the simple task of clicking on his name!Thanks to you too Carlos for giving me the address. I rapidly went through your blog and I agree with Dude when he said you were coherent.I am going to read it liesurely and comment.

I agree with Dude on one thing,though:a) How the hell Legacy disappeared from our radar coverage for almost an hour? b) Gol 1907 and TAM 3504 are different stories? c)Just remember that in 1996, Fokker100 of TAM crashed because of the THRUST REVERSER problems.In that accident, the Thrust Reversers deployed themselves automatically,during the TAKE OFF.

I am going to be back after reading your blog and we will discuss this in a FRIENDLY way.Just remember it is a Friday night and time for the happy hour.Take care.

I apologyese. I can't correct my poor english after posting.

Carlos, please do not apologise for your English.It is excellent and clear.To hell with the spelling or grammar.

a) How the hell Legacy disappeared from our radar coverage for almost an hour?

They didn't disappeared. Legacy only didn't send transponder signal, that carries an aircraft identification code and altitude, that crossed with radar data showr where they are and how high. ATC knew where they were, but radar showed wrong level (showed flight plan level instead with a square fault mark).

b) Gol 1907 and TAM 3504 are different stories?

Both were caused by human faults, with influence of minor mechanical failures. (GOL - transponder - not proved, TAM pined reverser)

I wait you all, in my blog.
Regards.

Both were caused by human faults, with influence of minor mechanical failures. (GOL - transponder - not proved, TAM pined reverser)

I agree with you that both were caused by human errors. I would like to know if the humans who caused the errors are still alive or dead. That is the reason why I said before that I would rather await the final reports on these two accidents. I feel sorry that almost 400 lives were lost (some of them were not even on the planes). I also feel strange that the lawyers who are representing the parties are big shots. All were ministers of justice in one government or other (just check out the history,please).

btw, you must have come to know by now that Denise Abreu of ANAC resigned. Probably,she would find another job some other Ministry. The business goes on as usual.

You be careful, Carlos,living so close to the Air Srip at Congonhas.

Thanks for inviting us to your blog. May be I ´ll appear with a different name!

btw, may I compliment you for writing Portugués (in your blog) like in English. Short sentences,no buzz words and clear. Obviously you are an engineer and not a lawyer!!

You take care

Yes, your English is plenty good enough to allow us to make the judgement that you don´t know much about aviation.

I'm sure you don't know me. I would like your comments, than I could answer. If you speak portuguese, read my blog.
Regards.

Here are some additional facts concerning the TAM accident. We already know that the runway was of marginal length under good conditions and that it was subject to hydroplanning due to heavy rain and the lack of grooving in the runway surface. We also know that there was no overrun area or gear arresting device to stop the aircraft. As one can see, the cumulative negative factors had reached a point at which the existing barriers were simply overwhelmed. There were just too many things going at the same time that day.

Subject: AIT N° 4 - Sao Paulo
ACCIDENT FROM: AIRBUS FLIGHT SAFETY
DEPARTMENT TOULOUSE ACCIDENT INFORMATION TELEX - ACCIDENT INFORMATION TELEX TO:
ALL AIRBUS OPERATORS / ATTN:
FLIGHT SAFETY DEPARTMENT SUBJECT:
TAM LINEAS AEREAS FLIGHT JJ3054
ACCIDENT IN SAO PAULO, BRAZIL
Our ref.:
TAM JJ3054 AIT 4 dated August 02nd 2007 Previous ref: TAM JJ3054 AIT 3 dated July 24th 2007

This AIT is an update of previous AIT n°3 concerning the A320 Tam Lineas Aereas involved in an accident during landing phase at Sao Paulo Congonhas airport- Brazil on the 17th of July 2007 at 06:30 PM local time. The data, which follow, have been approved for release by the Brazilian investigation authorities.

It is confirmed that the aircraft was dispatched with the Engine 2 thrust reverser inoperative as authorized by the MEL.

It is confirmed that the associated operational procedure of TAM MEL was updated according to current MMEL page 02-78 p1 SEQ 001 REV 29, which reminds the crew to select both thrust levers to idle before touchdown and requires to select both reversers at touchdown.

The following is the sequence of events according to the recorders:

Final Approach phase:
-The aircraft was approaching runway35L.
-The last wind information given to the crew by the ATC was330°/8kts.
-The runway condition given to the crew by the ATC was wet and slippery.
-Landing configuration was established with Slats/Flaps fully extended, gear down, ground spoilers armed, auto-brake selected to MED.
-Approach speed was 145 knots
-The final approach was performed with Autopilot OFF -disconnected at about 370 feet (radio-altitude), Flight Directors ON, Auto-Thrust (auto-throttle) ON.
-The CM1 was the Pilot Flying.
-The crew approach briefing included a reminder that only the left engine thrust reverser was available. Flare and touch-down:
-During the flare, the "RETARD" call-out has been normally triggered
-The "RETARD" call-out has been triggered 3 times, ending at the selection of the engine 1 reverser.
-Before touchdown, the engine 1 throttle was retarded to idle.
-The engine 2 throttle is recorded in the Climb position and remained in this position to the end of recording.
-Preliminary trajectory comp**ation indicates that the aircraft landed in the touchdown zone.

Landing roll:
-Just after touchdown, idle reverse was selected on engine1, followed within 2 seconds by the selection of max reverse, which was kept to the end of recording.
-Following reverser 1 selection, the auto-throttle disconnected as per design and remained disconnected to the end of recording.
-With the No. 2 engine throttle being in the Climb position:
1/ the No. 2 engine EPR remained at a value of approximately 1.2 corresponding to the EPR at the time of auto-throttle disconnection; and
2/ the ground spoilers did not deploy and the auto-brake hade not been activated.
-Maximum manual braking actions began 11 seconds after touchdown.
-Rudder inputs and differential braking were applied during the landing roll.
-The aircraft overran the runway at approximately 100 knots.

DFDR and CVR data show no evidence of aircraft malfunction.

At this stage of the investigation, and as already indicated in the previous AIT n°3, Airbus reminds all operators to strictly comply with the following procedures:

During the flare at thrust reduction select ALL thrust levers to IDLE.
For the use of the thrust reversers when landing with one Engine Reverser inhibited refer to:
-For A318/A319/A320/A321 MMEL 02-78 Page 1 Rev 29
-For A310 MMEL 02-78 Page 1 Rev 17
-For A300-600 MMEL 02-78 Page 1 Rev 15
-For A330 MMEL 02-78 Page 1 Rev 17
-For A340 200/300/500/600 MMEL 02-78 Page 1 Rev 19

When appropriate, additional information about this event will be provided through the normal Airbus to Operators communication channels.

Yannick Malinge,
Vice President Flight,
Safety-Airbus

"[...] that it was subject to hydroplanning due to heavy rain and the lack of grooving in the runway surface"

The plane didn't face hidroplannig, acording to DFDR. The rain was not heavy. It was more like a drizzle (I was there, 500 mts from accident).

[...] there was no overrun area or gear arresting device to stop the aircraft

It there was, it wouldn't stop it. The aircraft overruns at ~100kts. To stop, it would be a simple matter of deploying spoilers manually, but Airbus computer logic is not prepared to, or easier, to put Thrust Lever at right position. Simple, isn't it?

I invite Brazilians to see my blog. Comments will be welcomed.

With a 737, the pilot cannot put any engine in reverse thrust unless all throttles are in the idle position. One would think that after all these year, the Airbus people could look at the A320 computer programs and rewrite them in view of accidents that have occurred. The normal reason that companies don´t do things like that is liability-it could be taken in a court of law as evidence that the company knows or knew that the original design was faulty.

I invite Brazilians to see my blog. Comments will be welcomed.

Why only brazilians carlos? Tem preconçeito? And quit shilling your blog, this topic has been beat more than a donkey in Bahia.

VENEZUELA'S GONZALES IS A MONKEY, AS FAR AS I AM CONCERNED. HE IS NOT A GORILLA. BUT A MONKEY WHO JUMPS AROUND COPYING EVIL.
TO MAKE ANY FORM OF BUSINESS WITH HIM, WOULD BE TO SUPPORT HIS NON CHRISTIAN VALUES, NON PEACEFUL POLITICAL THREATS, HIS RUDE MANNERS, AND FIRST ABOVE ALL HIS STUPIDITY.
ONCE I SAW HIM ON A PLANE. THAT WAS BEFORE HE BECOMES IMPORTANY SEXUALLY AND STUPIDLY, AND BEFORE HE USES PRESIDENT GEORGE BUSH AS HIS ESCAPE GOAT TO HELP HIM BECOME FAMOUS EVILY. I HAPPENED TO PASS THE AISLE. I AM AN ATTRACTIVE WOMAN. BUT I AM ALSO MARRIED AND I DO NOT ACCEPT FLIRTIOUS BEHAVIOUR FROM ANYONE. I HAVE SO MUCH TO DO IN LIFE. THIS MONKEY BEGINS TO FLIRT WITH ME AND ASKS ME IF I WOULD SIT WITH HIM IN HIS BUSINESS CLASS SEAT. ALL I DID WAS WALK AWAY WITHOUT SAYING A WORD. I GUESS HE DOES NOT ACCEPT DEFEAT. SO HE JUMPED A ROW AHEAD, WHICH IS HOW HE GOT HIS NAME 'MONKEY' . SMALL NOT APE.
AND CAME IN FRONT OF ME AND INSISTED THAT I SHOULD REACT TO HIS STUPID OFFER. I LOOKED AT HIM NOT KNOWING WHO HE WAS AND TOLD HIM TO GET LOST BECAUSE HE IS KILLING THE OXYGEN IN THE AIR. I SAID- FRANKLY MISTER WHOEVER YOU ARE I HAVE NOT THE SLIGHTEST INTEREST IN YOU. IF YOU WERE THE LAST MAN ON EARTH, I WOULD PASS YOU BY. MOVE OUT OF MY WAY.
HE SAID - ARE YOU GONNA HIT ME OR SOMETHING. I SAID IS THIS WHAT YOU GOT FROM OTHER WOMEN?
NO. I HAVE NO INTENTION OF MESSING UP MY HANDS FOR YOUR MONKINESS.
HE GRUMBLED IN SPANISH AND LEFT THE AISLE. THEN HE SAID YOU DON'T KNOW WHO I AM.
I SAID BACK TO HIM. YOU ARE RIGHT NOR AM I INTERESTED IN KNOWING YOU.
IT IS TRUE EVEN AS I WATCHED HIM ON TV, DOING THE SIGN OF THE CROSS AND INSULTING PRESIDENT BUSH WHO IS MORE CHRISTIAN THAN HIMSELF, MY LAST THOUGHT, WAS I STILL AM NOT INTERESTED AND NEVER WILL ADMIT TO THE EXISTENCE OF THIS MONKEY.
HE WANTS TO HAVE POWER. HAS NO STRENGTH.
REMEMBER THAT IT IS DANGEROUS TO COMMIT IN AN RELATIONSHIP WITH MAN OF POWER. JUST LIKE THE BALOON, THEIR POWER FADES.

God is the foundation of evil.