May 11, 2006

Ten years ago today, just 10 minutes after takeoff from Miami International Airport, ValuJet Flight 592 crashed into the Florida everglades, killing all 105 passengers and 5 crew members on board.

Adding to the tragedy was the difficult and dangerous nature of the recovery process. The crash site, a deep-water swampy area, was more than a quarter of a mile from the nearest road and contained the usual hazards of aircraft fluids and fuels, as well as contaminated water, heat, stormy weather and dangerous reptiles.

But they hope to find solace in gathering with 40 to 50 other family members of crash victims in Miami on Thursday, the 10-year anniversary of what is still Florida's most deadly air disaster.

"It helps to be with other families and share thoughts," said David Lane, of Alpharetta, Ga. "It's meaningful."

Arriving from Texas, Georgia, Louisiana and other states, family members first will hold an informal ceremony at 10 a.m. at Woodlawn Park Cemetery in south Miami-Dade County, where many of the victims' remains were laid to rest.

"It will be kind of a participatory memorial, where people can talk about their loved ones," said Gail Dunham, president of the National Air Disaster Alliance Foundation and the coordinator of the anniversary events.

At 3 p.m., families will visit the ValuJet Memorial in far west Miami-Dade County, off State Road 41, about eight miles from the crash site. There, 110 cinderblock columns have been erected, honoring each person killed on the plane.

While the public is not invited, anyone who shows up will not be turned away, Dunham said.

Among those expected to attend the remembrances: Mary Schiavo, the former inspector general of the U.S. Department of Transportation, who blasted the Federal Aviation Administration for a lack of aviation oversight. Also John Goglia, who chaired the National Transportation Safety Board hearings into the accident.

Since the crash, families have visited the ValuJet Memorial several times. They became their own extended family in the process.

David Lane said being with others who have gone through the ordeal is important, whether it's a major anniversary year or not.

His son, Roger, 36, and daughter-in-law, Dana Nelson Lane, 26, had been returning from Venezuela, where they were planning to open a school to teach English.

"They had been married only six months," he said.

Some relatives plan to bypass this week's ceremonies, including Atlanta attorney Richard Kessler, who lost his wife, Kathleen, on the plane and has since remarried. He said he wants to move on.

"I loved my wife, but I love my new wife, too," he said.

What IS The Deductible On A B-1B?

All four crewmembers exited the aircraft safely.

The B-1B was deployed from Dyess Air Force Base, Texas.

Transportation Minister Hatta Radjasa was quoted saying: 'Any requests to import Boeing 737-200s will be definitely rejected'. While restricting new purchases, The government would not ban the use of existing aircraft but will conduct a comprehensive audit to ensure that they are airworthy.

Sabena Technics hangar at Brussels Airport was destroyed Friday by a heavy fire that damaged three A320s plus a C-130 belonging to the Belgian Air Force that were in the shop for heavy maintenance.

One A320 belonged to Armenian airline Armavia, which lost another A320 two days earlier when it crashed into the Black Sea. Additional A320s reportedly were owned by an Armenian entrepreneur and Hellas Jet, which was operating them with Volare titles.

"All four aircraft that were in hangar 40, which is used only for heavy maintenance, are very badly damaged," Sabena Technics spokesperson Carla Daniels confirmed to ATWOnline. The MRO provider's offices also were located in the hangar. Authorities launched an investigation into the cause. "We don't exclude anything, but we do not suspect at this moment any malicious intent," Daniels said. Sabena Technics employs some 1,200 people at BRU and had revenue of €120 million ($151.6 million) last year.

Rosenker did not discuss any particular recommendations regarding the UPS fire

American Airlines flight 4724 was carrying 36 passengers and three crew members when it was hit at around 6:40 a.m., spokeswoman Holly Baker said.

The flight was cancelled and authorities were examining the plane, Baker said. Minor damages to the aircraft would likely be found, she said.

Myths about aging can contribute to a failing memory. Middle-aged and older learners do worse on memory tasks when exposed to negative stereotypes about aging and memory, and better if exposed to messages about memory preservation into old age.

Take advantage of calendars and planners, maps, shopping lists, file folders, and address books to keep routine information accessible. Designate a place at home for your glasses, keys, and other items you use frequently.

New information that’s broken into smaller chunks, such as the hyphenated sections of a phone or social security number, is easier to remember than a single long list, such as financial account numbers or the name of everyone in a classroom.

The more senses you use when you learn something, the more of your brain will be involved in retaining the memory. For example, odors are famous for conjuring memories from the distant past, especially those with strong emotional content, such as visits to a cookie-baking grandparent.

Widen the brain regions involved in learning by reading aloud, drawing a picture, or writing down the information you want to learn (even if you never look back at your notes). Just forming a visual image of something makes it easier to remember and understand; it forces you to make the information more precise.

When you want to remember something you have just heard or thought about, repeat it out loud. For example, if you’ve just been told someone’s name, use it when you speak with him or her: "So John, where did you meet Camille?"

Instead of repeating something many times in a short period, as if you were cramming for an exam, re-study the essentials after increasingly longer periods of time — once an hour, then every few hours, then every day. Spacing out periods of study is particularly valuable when you are trying to master complicated information.

Engaging in activities that require you to concentrate and tax your memory will help you maintain skills as you age. Discuss books, do crossword puzzles, try new recipes, travel, and undertake projects or hobbies that require skills you aren’t familiar or comfortable with.

Memory-improvement courses are becoming more common. Choose one run by health professionals or experts in psychology or cognitive rehabilitation. Stay away from courses that center on computer or concentration games, which generally won’t help you with real-life memory problems. Select a course that focuses on practical ways to manage everyday challenges.