Position Paper IFALPA: Transport of Passengers Subject to Judicial or Administrative Proceedings

It is not unusual for aircraft Operators to have to transport deportees, inadmissible persons, or persons in lawful custody. IFALPA is not opposed to this practice, however, strict guidelines should be followed to ensure that the safety and security of the flight are not compromised. The final decision on accepting such passengers and any escort onboard should rest with the pilot- in-command (...)

Position Paper IFALPA: Crew Escape from Hijacked Aircraft on the Ground

At all times during a hijack, the safety of the passengers and crew as well as the denial of the aircraft to the hijacker(s) is of paramount importance. The pilot-in-command, who is responsible for the aircraft’s security and has the best overview of the situation, must have the means to react according to the level of risk and the actual situation on board. Any measures taken should enhance the ability of the pilot-in-comman to assess the situation thoroughly and, if possible, bring it under control (...)

Position Paper IFALPA: Deployment of IFSOs in the Passenger Cabin of an Aircraft

In principle, IFALPA believes that firearms should never be allowed in the passenger cabin of commercial air transport aircraft as they represent a threat to aircraft safety and security. Nevertheless, the flight crew community accepts that States may mandate the deployment of armed In-Flight Security Officers (IFSOs) on board civil aircraft, subject to the provisions detailed in ICAO Annex 17, Chapter 4.7 and related Guidance Material in Doc 8973 (the Security Manual) Chapter 12.4 (...)

Position Paper IFALPA: Crew Member Security Aspects of an Operator’s Security Programme

Commercial flights are sometimes operated into areas and destinations where the security situation is very difficult to predict. Moreover, the situation in any country has the potential to change rapidly due to a sudden terrorist attack, civil unrest, or a natural disaster which can put both security and safety under threat (...)

Position Paper IFALPA on Positive Safety Culture

A genuine positive safety culture, including the associated non-punitive safety reporting and data collection systems, along with unbiased safety investigations, is an essential component of a Safety Management System. It values the philosophy that errors, mistakes, or unintentional actions, when reported, and used only for safety improvements, is the key to identifying and managing emerging hazards within an airline.

Position Paper IFALPA: Laser Attacks on Aircraft

The hazard posed by laser attacks against civil aircraft, specifically the deliberate targeting of flight crew with laser illumination to disrupt the safe operation of the aircraft, is a matter of increasing worldwide concern. Available data indicate that the frequency of laser attacks on civil aircraft continues to rise significantly. These strikes can result in distraction, disruption, disorientation and, in extreme cases, blindness and incapacitation.

Position Paper: EMAS Depiction and Signage

3 December 2021 - IFALPA emphasizes the need for adequate and standardized depiction of Engineered Materials Arresting System (EMAS) on aeronautical charts and airport signage. IFALPA recommends that the presence of EMAS be described in the Airport Operational Information (AOI), depicted on Instrument Approach Charts (IAC) and Take-Off and Landing Performance Tools. Standardized signs should be used at the runway end to indicate the presence of an EMAS (...)

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 (...)