NASA News
National Aeronautics and
Space Administration

Langley Research Center
Hampton, Virginia 23681-0001
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Michael Finneran									Wed., Nov. 30, 1994
Langley Research Center
804 864-8150

Release No. 94-113

NOTE TO EDITORS:

NEWS CONFERENCE TO DISCUSS 1ST USE OF WINDSHEAR SENSOR ON PASSENGER JET

	The first passenger jet flight using a windshear detection system developed with the aid of NASA’s Langley Research Center was scheduled to fly today. Continental Airline’s 737-300 aircraft – flight 1637 – was expected to leave Washington D.C.’s National Airport today at 1:40 p.m., according to Continental and AlliedSignal (cq) Commercial Avionics Systems.

	A news conference to discuss the event was scheduled for 11 a.m. today at the Hyatt Crystal City Hotel in Crystal City, Va. National broadcast and print media, including wire services, have been invited to the event, so coverage may appear over the wires. NASA is not participating in the news conference but interviews with Langley personnel can be arranged.

	Langley was instrumental in the development of windshear sensor technology, which gives pilots advance warning of the dangerous downdrafts that pose a serious crash hazard to aircraft, particularly during takeoff and landing. Numerous airline deaths have been blamed on windshear.

	To arrange an interview or to receive photos or video b-roll, call Michael Finneran in Langley’s Office of Public Affairs at 864-8150.

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