The two Northwest Airlines pilots who overshot Minneapolis by more than 150 miles were using laptops and were distracted, they have admitted, according to US aviation safety officials. They were initially reported to have been arguing, but have denied this. The airline has said it is firing the two, aged 57 and 54, both of whom have thousands of flying hours and clean safety records. The two were reported by officials to have been discussing flight scheduling because a new system is being put in place.
Links to other sites: CNN, CS Monitor
A devastating storm tore through southern Ontario, Canada 20 August, generating tornadoes along the way, several of which destroyed houses and flipped vehicles. One person was killed near Durham, Ontario. In Minneapolis, Minnesota, a violent storm struck unexpectedly Wednesday, 19 August, uprooting trees, damaging houses and cars. MinnPost.com, Toronto Globe & Mail
Tolochenaz, Vaud, Switzerland (GenevaLunch) - Medtronic, one of the world’s leading manufacturers of cardiac stimulators, including pacemakers, is celebrating production of its three millionth device at its Tolochenaz plant. The research centre and manufacturing plant opened in 1996-97 and the first pacemakers made in Switzerland came out in May 1997. The company added a major global training centre in 2002 at the site. Medtronic’s devices also include neurostimulators.
