Position Paper IFALPA: Disruption of Satellite-Based Signals
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 IFALPA: CAVS-CDTI Assisted Visual Separation
CAVS is an Airborne Surveillance Application (ASA) to assist pilots in maintaining own separation from a preceding aircraft during successive visual approach procedures by showing its position and additional data on a cockpit display. The data of the preceding aircraft is derived from ADS-B Out, received by the succeeding aircraft via ADS-B In and presented to the crew on a Cockpit Display of Traffic Information (CDTI) which can be integrated in the usual navigation displays (...)
Briefing Leaflet IFALPA: Follow the TCAS RA?
Following the EUROCONTROL report on TCAS RA compliance in 2020, both IFALPA and IFATCA issued a joint statement as a reminder to the pilot and controller community. The Eurocontrol study analysed radar data of TCAS RA events taken over a 12 month period over the core area of Europe. In a first Analysis, it reports only 38% of the RAs were followed correctly, and 34% were even manoeuvred in the opposite direction (...)
Safety Bulletin IFALPA: Re-Entry of Large Rocket Booster Between 8 and 10 May 2021
Press Release SNPL: Let’s not play with flight safety! SNPL France ALPA do not support the development of Single-pilot Operations (SPO)
SNPL France ALPA, one of whom’s main missions is to maintain and to increase air transport safety, is opposed to the implementation of Single-pilot Operations as suggested by the Executive Director of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA). In an interview on 20 January 2021, Patrick Ky, EASA Executive Director, told FlightGlobal that, regarding Single-pilot Operations (flight with only one pilot flying), he believes "this could be implemented quite soon, typically for phases of the flight when you don’t necessarily need two pilots in the cockpit". These words challenge us as much by the discrepancy they reveal between the field reality and the European decision-making spheres, as well as the technological beliefs they peddle (...)
Safety Bulletin IFALPA: Safety of Civil Aircraft Operating in Airspace under the Authority of the Republic of South Sudan
IFALPA has received information of the need to fully assess the potential for risks to flight safety to national civil aircraft owners and operators intending to operate within the airspace under the authority of the Republic of South Sudan (...)
Safety Bulletin IFALPA: Operations at Non-Towered Airports due to ATC Zero Conditions
As the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact flight operations ALPA, International have issued an Operations Bulletin concerning temporary reduced controller staffing or shut down at ATC facilities. The status of the facility during a closure is known as “ATC Zero.” When an Air Traffic Control Tower (ATCT) is ATC Zero, the airport remains open, but the airport reverts to non-towered operations and the airspace usually becomes Class G (uncontrolled) airspace.
Position Paper IFALPA: Safe Small Commercial Unmanned Aircraft Operating Rules
Advances in technology have resulted in the introduction of large numbers of small unmanned aircraft (UA), especially in populated areas. Commercial use is only expected to continue to expand. Many countries have adopted or are considering adoption of rules governing the operation of these new aircraft, also commonly referred to as unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), or “drones.”
Position Paper IFALPA: Geometric Altitude
With the increasing equipage of Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) in commercial air transports, and the growing constellation of GNSS, the future use of Geometric Altitude throughout the flight profile might be possible and will bring added benefits such as reduced vertical separation and complementing trajectory flight paths. Geometric Altitude might be introduced above 15,000 metres because all aircraft able to reach these levels are GNSS equipped, but biggest benefit is seen during approach and departure. IFALPA supports research into a possible future transition from Barometric Altitude to using Geometric Altitude for sub transition level en route, and approach operations.
IFALPA & IFATCA Joint Statement: TCAS needs your helps
Following the recent EUROCONTROL report on TCAS RA compliance, IFALPA and IFATCA feel the need to send a reminder to the pilot and controller community.