Joseph Mangan
Encyclopedia
Joseph Mangan is an American
aerospace
engineer
who, in 2004, told European aviation authorities of his belief that the microprocessors controlling cabin pressurization
valves in the new Airbus A380
might allow a sudden depressurization
of the passenger cabin in flight—which, at normal cruising altitudes, could endanger the lives of people aboard the aircraft. A sudden loss of pressure at high altitudes can produce unconsciousness within seconds, followed eventually by death.
According to EADS
, all parties have ensured through the most varied control channels that there is no safety deficit with regards to the scenario, as described by Mangan in the final certificated aircraft.
All corresponding documents were reviewed and approved by EASA
and FAA. The review process, incorporating the participation of Joseph Mangan, successfully finished in late 2006 when the Airbus A380
including the internal communication system and the microprocessors of the cabin pressure control system
was certified by EASA
and FAA
.
Mangan's story is one of those featured in a 2007 French Documentary entitled Du côté des “anges” which translates to On the side of the "Angels" by Mattieu Verboud, which is about employees who break "the law of silence" to denounce acts of corruption
or negligence in their companies.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
aerospace
Aerospace
Aerospace comprises the atmosphere of Earth and surrounding space. Typically the term is used to refer to the industry that researches, designs, manufactures, operates, and maintains vehicles moving through air and space...
engineer
Engineer
An engineer is a professional practitioner of engineering, concerned with applying scientific knowledge, mathematics and ingenuity to develop solutions for technical problems. Engineers design materials, structures, machines and systems while considering the limitations imposed by practicality,...
who, in 2004, told European aviation authorities of his belief that the microprocessors controlling cabin pressurization
Cabin pressurization
Cabin pressurization is the pumping of compressed air into an aircraft cabin to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for crew and passengers when flying at altitude.-Need for cabin pressurization:...
valves in the new Airbus A380
Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by the European corporation Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. Due to its size, many airports had to modify and improve facilities to accommodate it...
might allow a sudden depressurization
Cabin pressurization
Cabin pressurization is the pumping of compressed air into an aircraft cabin to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for crew and passengers when flying at altitude.-Need for cabin pressurization:...
of the passenger cabin in flight—which, at normal cruising altitudes, could endanger the lives of people aboard the aircraft. A sudden loss of pressure at high altitudes can produce unconsciousness within seconds, followed eventually by death.
According to EADS
EADS
The European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company N.V. is a global pan-European aerospace and defence corporation and a leading defence and military contractor worldwide...
, all parties have ensured through the most varied control channels that there is no safety deficit with regards to the scenario, as described by Mangan in the final certificated aircraft.
All corresponding documents were reviewed and approved by EASA
European Aviation Safety Agency
The European Aviation Safety Agency is an agency of the European Union with offices in Cologne, Germany, which has been given regulatory and executive tasks in the field of civilian aviation safety. It was created on 15 July 2002, and it reached full functionality in 2008, taking over functions...
and FAA. The review process, incorporating the participation of Joseph Mangan, successfully finished in late 2006 when the Airbus A380
Airbus A380
The Airbus A380 is a double-deck, wide-body, four-engine jet airliner manufactured by the European corporation Airbus, a subsidiary of EADS. It is the largest passenger airliner in the world. Due to its size, many airports had to modify and improve facilities to accommodate it...
including the internal communication system and the microprocessors of the cabin pressure control system
Cabin pressurization
Cabin pressurization is the pumping of compressed air into an aircraft cabin to maintain a safe and comfortable environment for crew and passengers when flying at altitude.-Need for cabin pressurization:...
was certified by EASA
European Aviation Safety Agency
The European Aviation Safety Agency is an agency of the European Union with offices in Cologne, Germany, which has been given regulatory and executive tasks in the field of civilian aviation safety. It was created on 15 July 2002, and it reached full functionality in 2008, taking over functions...
and FAA
.
Mangan's story is one of those featured in a 2007 French Documentary entitled Du côté des “anges” which translates to On the side of the "Angels" by Mattieu Verboud, which is about employees who break "the law of silence" to denounce acts of corruption
Political corruption
Political corruption is the use of legislated powers by government officials for illegitimate private gain. Misuse of government power for other purposes, such as repression of political opponents and general police brutality, is not considered political corruption. Neither are illegal acts by...
or negligence in their companies.