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 (...)

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 (...)

IFALPA Briefing Leaflet: Respecting Boundaries

Aviation is a global endeavour that connects people and cultures. Differences may create challenges; it is important to always engage with respectful communication and behaviour. Misunderstandings are created and conflicts can arise when behaviour accepted by some is experienced as inappropriate by others. Everyone has physical and emotional boundaries shaped by their own cultural, religious, national, and personal background (...)

Joint Statement on International Women’s Day 2023

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA), International Federation of Air Traffic Safety Electronics Associations (IFATSEA), International Federation of Aeronautical Information Management Associations (IFAIMA), and International Federation of Flight Information Association (IFISA) have come together to promote a diverse, equitable, and inclusive aviation industry by embracing the International Women’s Day theme: #EmbraceEquity

Safety Bulletin IFALPA: Communication Interference by Military Warships in the Pacific Region

IFALPA has been made aware of some airlines and military aircraft being called over 121.50 or 123.45 by military warships in the Pacific region, notably South China Sea, Philippe Sea, East of Indian Ocean. In some cases, the flights were provided vectors to avoid the airspace over the warship. We have reason to believe there may be interferences to GNSS and RADALT as well (...)

Safety Bulletin IFALPA: Security Concerns in the Papua Region of Indonesia

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is extremely concerned about the ongoing security issues faced by commercial aircraft and crews operating in the Papua Region of Indonesia, as reported by our local Member Association, Ikatan Pilot Indonesia (IPI). On 9 January 2023, local militants fired bullets at a cargo plane landing at Oksibil Airport, which resulted in a go around and a diversion (...)