Communication Can Prevent Tragedy

Continental Airlines is currently in a position where they can be totally honest and forthright or they can be partially honest. After 50 people were killed in a plane crash less than a week ago it seems as though Continental would be very honest instead they are siding with the actions of their pilot. Although the actions of the Continental pilot were within the legal confines of the techniques used by Continental, they were not correct for the specific situation. The major issue is a communications issue. The two organizations that regulate airlines the NTSB and the FAA have slightly differing opinions. They have slightly differing opinions on how pilots should handle icing and whether they should navigate manually or by using auto pilot. This is a crucial difference that could have possibly prevented a tragedy. As PR practitioners and communications specialists it is part of our responsibility to make sure that communication is not a barrier in organizations we work for. Perhaps had the regulations been more clearly defined and outlined this tragedy may not have happened.
-Nicole Jackson