באוקטובר האחרון נערך בתל אביב הכינוס השנתי של ועדת ניתוח ומניעת תאונות (AAP- Accident Analysis and Prevention) של IFALPA – הפדרציה הבינלאומית של איגודי הטייסים, שגם האיגוד הישראלי, האיגוד שלנו, הוא חלק ממנה.
קברניט מנחם אילן, חבר הוועדה (וחבר בקבוצת העבודה לנושא ניהול הבטיחות – SMWG-Safety Management Working Group) ביקש מיו"ר ועדת AAP, ק"ר David Schöne מגרמניה, לכתוב מאמר מיוחד עבור Iviation – והוא מובא כאן:
IFALPA's AAP Committee serves as a hub of safety knowledge and expertise. The Committee monitors global accident trends, conducts safety analysis, and develops Positions, Briefing Leaflets, Safety Bulletins, recommendations and guidelines based on its findings. Member associations can utilize this expertise to enhance their safety programs, influence regulatory bodies, and promote industry-wide safety initiatives. These publications are designed to shape the future of the global aviation industry and by sending representatives to the AAP Committee, Member Associations can tap into a global network of safety professionals, enabling them to stay at the forefront of accident analysis and safety advancements.
In the unfortunate event of an accident or incident, IFALPA's AAP Committee offers essential support to Member Associations by facilitating comprehensive local support to involved crews, as well as possible assistance with accident investigations and analysis. The Committee can help Member Associations gain valuable insights into the incident's contributing factors and develop targeted recommendations to comment on the final report of the relevant investigation authority. This collaboration ensures that safety lessons are learned and shared throughout the IFALPA network, contributing to improved safety standards globally. 2023-06-22
The AAP Committee actively engages with International Organizations, such as the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), regulatory bodies and national accident investigation authorities, to influence the development of aviation Regulations, Standards and recommended practices. Member Associations can benefit from the Committee's advocacy efforts by leveraging its expertise and collective influence to shape Regulations in line with pilots' interests and safety priorities. The Committee works closely with IFALPA’s Member Associations to understand their concerns and represent them effectively at international meetings, ensuring that pilot voices are heard and considered. Through this collaboration, Member Associations can drive positive changes that benefit both pilots and the broader aviation community.
IFALPA's AAP Committee offers technical support and collaboration opportunities to Member Associations, enabling them to tackle industry challenges collectively. The Committee holds regular meetings where Member Associations can exchange experiences and share best practices on key safety issues with other Member Association representatives, as well as industry and regulatory representatives. This collaborative platform fosters an environment of knowledge sharing and learning, enabling Member Associations to enhance their work on accident analysis and prevention, improve relationships with National Aviation Authorities, and develop effective safety initiatives. By working together, member associations can influence each other's strengths, promote harmonization of safety standards, and drive industry-wide improvements.
The AAP Committee plays an important role in promoting continuous professional development among Member Associations. The Committee requires members to constantly engage in accident analysis and prevention topics and organizes training days to ensure that pilots and Member Associations have access to the latest knowledge and advancements in the field.
An Airbus A330 was on final approach to Amsterdam's runway 22 when the main landing gear touched down ahead of the paved surface of the runway and damaged two runway threshold lights. The aircraft rolled out without further incident and taxied to the apron. The airport reported that the aircraft touched down with its main gear on grass ahead of the runway, and several threshold lights were damaged forcing the closure of the runway for about an hour for repairs to the runway lighting. The 2023-06-22
Netherlands' Dutch Safety Board (DSB) dispatched a team of investigators to the site, who rated the occurrence a serious incident and started an investigation.
Shortly after the occurrence, the Member Association of the airline involved contacted the IFALPA AAP Committee in request for assistance in Amsterdam. Through IFALPA’s AAP channels a quick and direct contact with the Dutch Pilots’ Association Vereniging Nederlandse Verkeersvliegers (VNV) was established, and three representatives (pilots and accredited accident investigators) were able to support the crew, both in person at the airport, during the investigation and in the background.
The crew later praised the quick and professional support by VNV’s representatives through IFALPA AAP’s channels. Furthermore, the chief-investigator of the airline contacted the local Association and commented: “It's a great story about cooperation across borders and how we assist each other. My pilots are happy about their representation. Bart, the VNV investigator, who represented the pilots, deserves recognition!”.
IFALPA's AAP Committee serves as a crucial resource for Member Associations, providing invaluable support in case of accidents or incidents, expertise, and collaboration opportunities. Through its dedication to aviation safety, accident analysis, regulatory influence, technical support, and professional development, the Committee empowers Member Associations to advocate for pilots' interests, enhance safety standards, and contribute to a safer and more efficient aviation system as a whole