Being a BeCA member means you have your personal Emergency Response Plan ready!

As any other IFALPA Member Association, BeCA is prepared for assisting members if they become involved in an incident and/or accident. This means that we have a well-rehearsed, effective, and up-to-date Emergency Response Plan (ERP) in place, including a Critical Incident Response Program (CISM).

In case of crisis BeCA has a 24-hour emergency contact number (+32 2 248 03 68) in order to provide immediate assistance. As a backup there is also an IFALPA emergency contact number (+44 1202 653 110 ). Once BeCA is informed about an accident or serious incident either with one of our members or with an IFALPA member in Belgium, we form two teams: One team looks after the physical needs of the crew involved, and the other team undertakes being part of the investigation. It is important that until the investigation is complete these two teams have no contact with each other in order to ensure that the investigation is not compromised by a conflict of interest.

If you are involved in an accident contact BeCA as soon as possible and refer to the guidelines on your BeCA’s Hotline card. Keep in mind that BeCA is affiliated with pilots’ associations throughout the world and can arrange local support if needed. We have no hidden agendas. Our two objectives are to ensure your well-being and to ensure the investigation is carried out according to international standards. Hence the two teams.

An aircraft accident will usually attract public attention. When interacting with the media, BeCA  will express its support to those affected and emphasize the importance of a correct investigation. The association may explain technical aviation terminology, but will refrain from any speculation regarding causes or contributing factors.

On request of the involved BeCA member, legal assistance may be provided, especially in states in which the crew may be held under house arrest  or  under  actual detention  under  criminal charges.  Care will be taken that the legal assistance does not inhibit the technical accident investigation.

As a crew, you will probably face a strong emotional reaction to an incident or accident and therefore consideration is given to provide appropriate support. BeCA will provide basic Critical Incident Stress Management (CISM), where trained peers can assist the crew in mentally processing the event.

Hopefully, you will never have to use it, but knowing that BeCA is ready to support you in case of accident/incident should give you some comfort.

Based on IFALPA’s Aircraft Accident and Incident Investigation Handbook, BeCA developed some material exclusively reserved to its members, to guide them in case an accident or serious incident: the hotline card, guidelines to aircrews and the hotline key holder. Make sure to store your BeCA Hotline card  next to your licence – it’s the same size. This way you always have it ready! If you need more expanded guidance, please refer to the “IFALPA Guidelines to Aircrews”. In case you have lost your hotline card, please do not hesitate to ask a new one!