Position Paper IFALPA: The Dangers of Reduced Crew Operations
There are numerous risks associated with reduced-crew and single-pilot operations. Most prominently, these risks stem from the increased workload for the remaining pilot, the elimination of a critical layer of monitoring and cross-checking and operating redundancy on the flight deck, and compromising the safety and security beyond acceptable levels of risk given the many variable emergency situations that may occur during a flight.
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.
Position Paper IFALPA: The Use of Satellite Voice Communications (SATVOICE) for Air Traffic Control Operations
The discussion of expanding Satellite Voice Communications (SATVOICE) into the realm of Direct Controller - Pilot Communications (DCPC) and as a sole source of Long Range Communications Systems (LRCS) is evolving. Many shortcomings have been identified and specifications for new system development needs to resolve these shortcomings before SATVOICE can be approved as a substitute means of communication. The limitations of current systems must be accounted for and the risks mitigated. The areas include Human Machine Interface (HMI), DCPC, ATC Vectoring, Call priorities, Satellite limitations, avionics limitations, flight plans, and Short Code implementation.
Position Paper IFALPA: Training Considerations for Return to Operations
As operations begin to return to normal, there will be a need to safely re-establish compliance with the ICAO Standards as interpreted in each State's regulations. The resumption of operations presents many challenges including the requalification and training of pilots. IFALPA believes pilots returning to the line must be: Qualified, Proficient, and Confident.
Position Paper IFALPA: Fatigue Mitigation for Flights Affected by COVID-19 Restrictions
Position Paper IFALPA: Gender Diversity Leads to Gender Balance
Position Paper IFALPA: Pilot Self-Assessment Systems
Several airlines have recently been introducing software and tools produced by commercial third parties that enable flight crews to assess their own performance after every flight, based on FDM-derived data. There are differences in the way each of these tools work, how the flight is displayed (graphics, animations, etc.), and how data is transmitted to individual pilots and on which support (smart phone, tablet, PC, etc.), but the general idea conveyed by airlines is that such systems enable flight crews to review their last flight and identify possible areas of improvement.
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 ight are not compromised. In any case, the nal decision on accepting such passengers and any escort onboard should rest with the pilot-in- command.
Position Paper IFALPA: Onboard Protection Against Fire and Smoke
IFALPA believes that the results from the industry initiative on smoke and re following the Swissair 111 acci- dent should become industry best practice and be implemented worldwide. IFALPA believes that a follow-up initiative is necessary to develop further industry guidelines to improve safety. This follow-up programme must address the following items...