Metal fatigue on airplanes is not a new problem Re:”NTSB: Southwest plane had pre-existing fatigue,” April 4
The National Transportation Safety Board’s warning cites the historical ill-fated “British Comet.” Some 60 years ago, the Brits entered the jet airliner business with their revolutionary Comet, operated by the British Overseas Airline Corporation.
The Comets suffered the same skin-fracturing that is now plaguing Southwest Airlines. This fracturing was the result of metal fatigue caused by fluctuating cabin pressures from ascents and descents.
Picture a strip of metal that is continually being bent back and forth. This is precisely what felled the Comets. The structure closest to the Comets’ large rectangular windows was the most vulnerable, and caused them to abruptly fail.
The solution is simple: Reinforce the structure.
Edward Abramic
Washington
Overtaxed homeowners should revolt
Re: “Taxing surprise: PG hits hardest,” March 31
This should not be surprising to Prince George’s County homeowners. During the past five years I have owned a town house in the county, my property taxes have nearly doubled.
Prince George’s homeowners need to wake up and demand that the county officials they elected lower their property taxes. They need to be tough with them or better yet, they need to get rid of those who are not sensitive to residents’ difficult economic conditions.
I will be happy to join any protesters who are willing to speak up in front of the county building.
William Tipton
Silver Spring
Only sex crimes warrant official comment?
Re: “Nova student,” & “Parents arrested,” March 29
On your “Crime and Punishment” page, two notorious Prince William County cases are featured: One that has been a headliner for over a year now (“Nova Student”) and a sensational new child abuse case (“Parents arrested”).
What’s missing is a pithy sound bite by Commonwealth’s Attorney Paul Ebert, or anyone referring to the perpetrators in these cases as “the new face of evil” a la Scott McBride.
Why not? Oh, right. No sex involved.
Ah, hypocrisy!
Kevin Ricks
Alexandria
