When people ask me what I do for a living and I tell them that I investigate airplane accidents, they invariably hesitate and comment on what a fascinating job I must have. (Of course, I agree!)
One reason the job is fascinating to people is that they generally have no idea whatsoever what goes on inside an investigation. One can’t explain the process in a casual conversation; it would take a week-long course (at a minimum!) to give one an insight to the ins and outs of an investigation.
An aviation insurance claims person or aviation attorney would likely take an equally long time to provide insight into the claims process of a major aviation disaster where hundreds of millions of dollars are at stake.
RTI’s AViCON accomplished that fascinating insight into the claims process of a major aviation disaster in one captivating day. Held in New York City on board The Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum, AViCON 2012 participants were privy to a rare view inside the “conference rooms” of insurers and attorneys as they handled the settlement of a major aviation disaster.
Key to the experience was the highly realistic computer animation of the fictional “Disaster in the Islands” tragedy. Adding to the drama, attendees were provided detailed “facts” from the preliminary accident report; media reports; background on the airline, crew, and passengers; and the cockpit voice recorder transcript. The carefully-woven story provided all the twists and turns and many nuances of a real disaster.
In spite of the distraction of the British Airlines’ Concorde display teasingly visible out the conference hall window, attendees were captivated by the panel of expert attorneys and insurance professionals as they hammered out an agreement acceptable to all. That’s what happens when you really get drawn into the process.
Like a good book you don’t want to end, the day was over too quickly. I wish all the seminars I attend were as memorable as this one.
Kevin Darcy
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AViCON 2012 animation produced by RTI's Imaging sciences Group
On April 25, 2012, approximately 60 speakers and delegates gathered on the decks of the Intrepid Sea, Air & Space Museum to participate in the eighth installment of RTI’s groundbreaking aviation conference, AViCON 2012. The event brought together leading attorneys, insurance professionals, professors, pilots, engineers, and accident investigators in the aviation industry to network while discussing professional views and thoughts regarding a fictitious aviation disaster. The awe-inspiring surroundings, overlooking the Hudson River at the precise location where Captain Scully made his historic water landing, provided the perfect backdrop for an aviation conference examining the difficulties and issues arising from an aircraft accident.
All participants viewed a carefully scripted simulation showing the events leading up to and the eventual crash of, a fabricated airliner. After watching the stirring animation crafted by RTI’s Magic Motion Studios, the presenters described the myriad issues arising from such disasters, as well as the difficulties encountered in responding to the crash, rescuing passengers, and investigating its causes. After revealing many of the liability issues potentially leading up the accident, the day shifted to an involved mediation process featuring leading attorneys and insurers in the field of aviation who discussed each potential defendant’s relative culpability, complicated jurisdictional problems arising from an international flight, and finally, the claims to be brought by various plaintiffs and their estates.
Following the conclusion of the seminar, all participants retired to the flight deck for a cocktail reception among the Intrepid’s retired air and space craft, where they discussed the virtual accident and its resultant legal issues. The surprise ending to the day came in the form of an intimate private tour of the British Airway’s Concorde located at the museum, led by RTI’s own Steve Hull, who had been a Flight Engineer on that same aircraft. The participants retired to enjoy a New York evening as the sun set over the Hudson, satiated by the thought provoking discussions they had enjoyed with their peers during the day.
Ted Dunlap
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AViCON 2012 animation produced by RTI's Imaging Sciences Group
AViCON 2012 was a great conference at a wonderful venue.
From the start to the finish the delegates were fortunate to hear excellent presentations and be involved in a lively debate. Our esteemed panelists led by Chairman, Tim Scorer, added to the overall enjoyment for all. AViCON 2012 will be a tough act to follow.
Steve Hull
