Position Paper IFALPA: Unapproved Techniques
It has been discovered that in past events, Operators have introduced techniques which were not in agreement with the Manufacturer’s recommendations. In one example, the NTSB determined1 "that the probable cause of this accident was the in-flight separation of the vertical stabilizer as a result of the loads beyond ultimate design that were created by the first officer’s unnecessary and excessive rudder pedal inputs (...)
Position Paper IFALPA: Preflight Checks
Thorough preflight checks are crucial for flight safety to eliminate possible threats. The list given by ICAO covers significant items, but it is missing two essential subjects: The purity of fuel and the cover of pitot tubes and static ports.
Position paper: Individual Flotation Devices
Some Regulators allow seat cushions instead of life vests as individual flotation devices. This includes takeoffs and landings at coastal or near-coastal airports. When in water, especially when cold or turbulent, it is much more difficult to hold on to a cushion for an extended period than to keep floating with a life vest.
Position Paper IFALPA: Safety in the event of a Failed or Released Propeller Blade
There have been several accidents which serve to illustrate the safety threat posed by a failed or released propeller blade. Some examples are listed below. No certification standards currently address this safety threat.
Position Paper IFALPA: Definition of Accident & Serious Incident
This paper outlines IFALPA's position that there are events outside the current scope of accidents and serious incidents that warrant investigations to establish lessons learned and improve aviation safety.
Position Paper IFALPA: MANPADS
The MANPADS threat continues to be a concern for civil aviation. IFALPA believes that preventing the proliferation of MANPADS is the most effective countermeasure.
Position Paper IFALPA: Pilot Self-Assessment Systems
Airlines have introduced software and tools that enable flight crews to assess their own performance after every flight. IFALPA cautions that careful thought must be given to the unintended negative effects that such systems may have, and recommends that any implementation be held wholly within an airline’s fully established FDA/FOQA Programme.
Joint Position Paper IFALPA-IFATCA-IATA: Positive Security Culture
A new joint position from IFALPA, IFATCA, and IATA - The establishment of a positive security culture is a key component of aviation security. Understanding errors, mistakes, and unintentional actions, and allowing them to be reported in a non-punitive environment is essential to the identification and management of both existing and emerging security threats. IFALPA, IFATCA and IATA call for States and Operators to implement a positive security culture throughout the aviation industry, and make sure that it is reflected in all security-related documentation and procedures (...)
Position Paper IFALPA: Unruly Passengers
The term “unruly passenger” refers to any passenger who fails to respect the rules of conduct while on board an aircraft or refuses to follow the instructions of crew members, thereby disturbing good order and instruction and discipline.1 Unruly behaviour includes assault of other passengers or crew, sexual abuse or harassment, abusive consumption of alcohol and/or narcotics (...)
Position Paper IFALPA: Intoxicated Passengers
Two recent incidents have once again highlighted the ongoing issue of intoxicated passengers on board aircraft. On 16 May 2022, a flight originally scheduled from Gran Canaria to Newcastle was forced to divert to Porto, where a disruptive passenger was taken off the aircraft. The following day, another flight between Manchester and Faro was also forced to divert, this time to Nantes, due to the safety of the flight being compromised by five intoxicated passengers (...)