An 8-year-old boy has received a welcomed response from a top Delta Air Lines executive after penning a letter to the airline about aviation safety.
The letter, which suggested a new way airlines could recover lost aircraft in the event of a crash, was written by Ben Treider with the help of his mum after watching a TV show on how planes mysteriously disappear, including Malaysia’s MH370.
Instead of doing what 8-year-olds usually do though, Ben decided to use his creative mind and imagination to come up with a new way to improve airline safety.
In a letter addressed to Delta CEO Richard Anderson, Ben Treider writes:
“We could have a system that has neon orange balloons that rise up to the surface when the plane crashes in the sea… And there would be stones at the bottom so they would stay there. The balloon wouldn’t be light enough to float up into the air, and it would have reinforced rubber to withstand a lot of pressure.”
He also added that they could fit the balloon with a RF transmitter to aid location.
The letter penned by Ben
Included in the letter were hand-drawn designs by the boy himself, which visually communicates his novel idea:
Ben’s design
Delta Air Lines responded to Ben’s letter by sending the little boy a special package from John E. Laughter, Delta’s Senior Vice President of Safety, Security and Compliance. Inside the package were two model aeroplanes, branded pencils and pens, and a personal note commending his design.
“I work with many Delta people, The Federal Aviation Administration, and aeroplane manufactures to solve problems such as airline tracking in an emergency. There are lots of experts thinking about ideas just like you send us. I will make sure to share your plans with them!”
John E. Laughter, Senior Vice President of Safety, Security and Compliance, Delta Air Lines
According to his mum, Ben was reportedly ecstatic to receive the package – especially the two model planes which he quickly assembled – causing him to shout “I got Delta! I got Delta!” repeatedly.
The boy has a bright future indeed.