Collaboration Key to Flight Safety Decisions on Ash
16 June 2011
News
Release
New Zealand Air Line Pilots’
Association (NZALPA)
Pilots’
Association Say Collaboration Key to Flight Safety Decisions
on Volcanic Ash Cloud
With volcanic ash disrupting travel plans for many kiwis today, the New Zealand Air Line Pilot’s Association (NZALPA) is working closely with its pilots to assess and determine the safest flight conditions.
The Association’s Technical Director, Captain Stu Julian, who is liaising with Pilots around the latest information on the volcanic ash cloud that’s moved across New Zealand, says NZALPA and its members are working within the international framework that details all aspects of aviation safety.
“While the aircraft manufacturers, airlines, service providers such as volcanologists, meteorologists, air traffic services and the Civil Aviation Authority have a significant and important role to play to ensure that pilots have access to the best and latest information so as to make an informed decision about flying to avoid volcanic ash, the ultimate decision rests with the Pilot in Command.
“The Pilot in Command has the final decision to assure safety of any flight. Passengers should take comfort in the knowledge that in any situation, the pilot will take all factors into consideration and make their assessment based on the latest information.”
Airline Operators have a regulatory responsibility to conduct safety based risk assessments and develop acceptable mitigation strategies for operations near any volcanic ash. Once an airline makes a decision to operate then the Pilot in Command will have the authority and responsibility for the safe conduct of flight. This is why it’s important for pilots to have adequate tools, training information and guidelines to deal with volcanic ash.
“The international position is to avoid all volcanic ash as no aircraft is certified for flight into volcanic contaminants. More research and scientific evidence is needed to learn and better understand the implications and effect of ash on aircraft in the short and long term. In the meantime, the best scientific knowledge and accurate 3D modeling is required to ensure the best operational decisions are made. One day we may be able to treat volcanic contaminants as just another hazard.”
Mr Julian says that the NZALPA recognises the economic consequences for both airlines and passengers due to flight cancellations and delays, but will support the decision of its members as safety takes precedence.
The NZALPA has asked its members to provide feedback on what they are experiencing so that they can pass the information on to relevant authorities. ENDS
About
NZALPA:
The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’
Association is a professional union for New Zealand pilots
and air traffic controllers. Established in 1945, NZALPA is
an internationally affiliated professional trade union for
New Zealand pilots and air traffic controllers. Our diverse
membership includes General Aviation and commercial pilots,
flight instructors and approximately 400 of New Zealand’s
air traffic controllers in the employ of Airways NZ. Read
more about us here.
NZALPA was one of the 13 founding
states of IFALPA - the International Federation of Air Line
Pilots’ Associations, an organisation founded to represent
the interests of over 100,000 pilots worldwide. IFALPA
membership is dispersed through 101 Member Associations who
work together as the ‘global voice of pilots’.
In
1965, NZALPA joined the International Federation of Air
Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA), which represents
50,000 air traffic controllers worldwide. NZALPA is one of
130 Member Associations affiliated to IFATCA, and has
remained an active member in all aspects since
joining.
ENDS