JetBlue flight near Venezuela avoids 'midair collision' with U.S. Air Force tanker

Summary

A JetBlue commercial flight near Venezuela narrowly averted a mid-air collision with a U.S. Air Force tanker. The JetBlue pilot reported that the military aircraft did not have its transponder turned on, raising significant concerns about air safety protocols and collision avoidance systems. This incident, while localized, underscores the critical importance of transponder usage for global aviation safety and air traffic control, a topic relevant for general awareness in competitive exams.

Key Points

• 1The incident involved a JetBlue commercial flight.
• 2The near mid-air collision occurred in airspace near Venezuela.
• 3The other aircraft involved was identified as a U.S. Air Force tanker.
• 4The JetBlue pilot reported that the U.S. Air Force tanker's transponder was reportedly off.
• 5The event highlights critical concerns regarding air traffic safety protocols and transponder activation for collision avoidance.

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