Safety Bulletin IFALPA: Use of Masks in the Cockpit

Currently, in many countries the use of face masks is recommended or compulsory especially if social distancing is not possible. In the recommendations of ICAO, CAPSCA, and IATA, the use of face masks in the cockpit while operating the aircraft has not been compulsory. When an operator makes a decision on mask use in the cockpit, it should involve a safety risk assessment. IFALPA's position is that flight crew should have the option to remove their mask in the cockpit when the door is closed in the interest of flight safety. This safety bulletin provides some factors that should be taken into consideration.

Safety Bulletin IFALPA: COVID-19 Guidance for Crews (update 8 December)

At all times, crews should follow the advice of their health authorities and operators. This Safety Bulletin provides general advice about COVID-19 as understood at the date of publication. It provides recommendations for crews for before the flight, during the flight and at layovers (update 8 December 2020).

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

Please note: this paper supersedes 19SAB12 – Winter Conditions at Northern Finland Airports. 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. This 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.

Safety Bulletin IFALPA: COVID-19 Guidance for Crews (update 14 May)

This UPDATED Safety Bulletin provides general advice about COVID-19 as understood at the date of publication. It provides recommendations for crews for before the flight, during the flight and at layovers. At all times, crews should follow the advice of their health authorities and operators.

Safety Bulletin IFALPA: COVID-19 Medical and License Validity – ICAO State Letter 20/50

On April 3, 2020 ICAO published State Letter 11/55-20/50 – Operational Measures to ensure safe operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Given the challenges faced by States due to the pandemic, flight crew and operators are facing difficulties complying with the validity period of their licenses and medical certificates in adherence with ICAO SARPs. This State Letter was in response to measures that were being taken by States to address these challenges. The information provided in this Safety Bulletin is meant as guidance to help our members determine whether they are qualified to operate internationally for their operator.