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The Issues
A list of the changes to City, State and Federal laws we'd like to see, along with key legislation in process at the State and Federal levels.continue...
A two minute presentation on how the Sustainable Airport Master Plan (SAMP) will increase flight operations at Sea-Tac Airport as much as a new runway. Without a new runway. Provide public comment to the FAA between now and December 13,2024continue...
Does your home have a Port Package of noise mitigation windows and insulation? Having problems with your windows? Mold? You're not alone. Help us help you.continue... -
The SAMP Draft EA Public Comment Period is open now until December 13, 2024. Learn what is coming and what you can do to help reduce the noise, the pollution, and obtain the compensation we’ve deserved for decades.Top Story
Southwest flight tried to take off from Florida taxiway after crew mistook it for runway
March 20, 2025There were no injuries as travelers on Flight 3278 to Albany were put another plane.
Southwest plane nearly takes off from taxiway
March 20, 2025, 12:57 PM PDT / Updated March 20, 2025, 1:37 PM PDT
By David K. Li and Jay Blackman
A Southwest Airlines flight nearly took off from a Florida taxiway on Thursday before an air traffic controller stopped the potentially dangerous departure, officials said.
The incident involving Flight 3278 unfolded at Orlando International Airport at 9:30 a.m. as the plane attempted to depart for Albany, officials said.
Southwest Airlines said its crew “mistook the surface for the nearby runway” and no injuries were reported.
Taxiways are used by planes to get to runways, from gates and hangars. They’re not designed for takeoffs.
"An air traffic controller at Orlando International Airport canceled the takeoff clearance for Southwest Airlines Flight 3278 ... after the aircraft began its takeoff roll on a taxiway," according to a Federal Aviation Administration statement.
"The taxiway runs parallel to the runway. The flight was headed to Albany International Airport in New York. No other aircraft were involved. The FAA is investigating."
All the Albany-bound travelers were put on another flight, with a new crew, the airline said.
While federal officials continue to remind Americans that air travel is as safe as it’s ever been, a series of recent catastrophes and incidents has spooked the flying public.
- A midair collision near Ronald Reagan National Airport on Jan. 29 killed 67 people aboard a military helicopter and American Flight 5342 from Wichita.
- An air ambulance crashed in northeast Philadelphia on Feb. 1, killing seven people.
- All 10 people on board Bering Air Flight 445 died when the plane crashed on its way to Nome, Alaska, on Feb. 6.
- Delta Air Lines Flight 4819, from Minneapolis, flipped upside down on the runway at Toronto Pearson International Airport on Feb. 17. No one was killed but 18 people were injured.
- Southwest Flight 2504 and a private jet nearly collided at Chicago’s Midway International Airport on Feb. 25.
"Nothing is more important to Southwest than the safety of our customers and employees," SWA said of its latest incident.
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Upcoming Events
- xWednesday Mar 26, 2:30pm - 4:30pmMeeting of regional electeds to spotlight Sound Insulation Repair & Replacement Pilot Program The next Highline Forum will take place on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, from 2:30–4:30 PM, hosted by the City of Federal Way. The meeting will be held in hybrid format—both in-person at Federal Way City Hall Council Chambers and virtually via Microsoft [...]
From The Web
Southwest flight tried to take off from Florida taxiway after crew mistook it for runway
There were no injuries as travelers on Flight 3278 to Albany were put another plane. Southwest plane nearly takes off from taxiway March 20, 2025, 12:57 PM PDT / Updated March 20, 2025, 1:37 PM PDT By David K. Li and Jay Blackman A Southwest Airlines flight nearly took off from a Florida taxiway on Thursday before an air traffic controller [...]
From The Library
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Under The Flight Path
Under The Flight Path: A Community History of Sea-Tac Airport. Help us complete the first comprehensive documentary of any major US airport; the impacts on the cities and the people.continue...
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