Position Paper: Airborne Image Recorders

3 December 2021 - Airborne Image Recorders (AIRs) have been recommended by some Accident Investigation Authorities as an additional tool for accident investigations. IFALPA has long supported the use of flight data recorders, recognising their potential for improving flight safety. The Federation accepted Cockpit Voice Recorders (CVRs) after assurances by National Authorities (...)

Joint statement: Industry Statement for the High-level Conference on COVID-19

22 October 2021 - We, representatives of international aviation industry organisations, Airports Council International (ACI), the Civil Air Navigation Services Organisation (CANSO), the International Air Transport Association (IATA), the International Business Aviation Council (IBAC), the International Coordinating Council of Aerospace Industries Associations (ICCAIA), the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA), welcome the commitment by Ministers to address the global crisis in aviation caused by the COVID-19 pandemic that has given rise to serious public health, economic and social consequences (...)

Safety Bulletin IFALPA: Winter Conditions at Finland Airports (update)

12 October 2021 - Safe winter operations normally require special procedures by airline maintenance, engineering, ground crew, and de-icing personnel. In Finland, FINAVIA and TRAFICOM publish an annual Safety Bulletin on winter conditions. The attached UPDATED bulletin focuses on operations in northern Finland but the content is relevant to other locations subject to similar weather. It provides excellent guidance for both flight crews and operators.

Position Paper: Disruption of Satellite-Based Signals

6 October 2021 - Modern air traffic relies heavily on the internal accuracy of aircraft systems and the aircraft's ability to monitor its own reliability. In recent years, satellite-based Communication, Navigation and Surveillance (CNS) services have been taking a growing part in the overall ATM system and aircraft are becoming more reliant on space-based signals (...)

Position Paper: Loss of Communication with ATC

29 September 2021 - The tragic events of 11 September 2001 have drastically changed the way in-flight security incidents are managed. National Security Agencies are more reactive to any indication that could lead to security concerns, such as the prolonged loss of radio communication with ATC, also known as COMLOSS, but there is no consistency worldwide in the way these occurrences are addressed. In some countries, COMLOSS events have resulted in unnecessary interceptions of aircraft and/or administrative sanctions against the pilots involved, which will not solve the problem. In today’s complex radio communications environment, COMLOSS can be triggered by a number of factors, and these should be fully taken into account prior to any State reaction.

Position Paper: Women in Aviation: Why Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Matter

30 September 2021 - Attracting women to the piloting profession is challenging but retaining them is even more difficult, despite ongoing efforts. Stakeholders in the aviation industry must focus on inclusion and work to remove existing barriers that preclude women from seeking careers in aviation. Now is the time to encourage women pilots to participate in training, leadership, and committee roles and provide a diverse perspective and voice at the table.