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News from the world – CF 2018-02
IFALPA Papers
Here is a list of the most relevant new IFALPA position papers, safety bulletins and briefing leaflets published since our last edition:
IFALPA Briefing Leaflets
◊ Drone Sighting Guidelines
The objective of this document for pilots and air traffic controllers is to improve the information flow between the two groups and to coordinate the response when a drone is reported.
Drone sightings by commercial aircraft are on the rise. There have been numerous cases of airspac- es and aerodromes being closed due to reports of drones in the vicinity. Many countries do not yet have standard procedures to deal with drone sightings near aerodromes or violations of controlled airspace by drones. These guidelines are not a one-fits-all solution due to the dynamic and unpredictable nature of drone encounters but can be used to support the implementation of standard procedures and help pilots and air traffic controllers handle drone reports until such procedures are in place. Full paper: https://bit.ly/2Nuef0L.
IFALPA Positions
◊ Hotspots:
A hot spot is defined by ICAO as a location on an aerodrome movement area with a history or poten- tial risk of collision or runway incursion, and where heightened attention by pilots/drivers is necessary. These are included on aerodrome charts along with a description of the hazard(s) to alert pilots of the risk identified. ICAO identified a number of mitiga- tion strategies. IFALPA supports the implementation of such strategies and argues that they should be discussed at each meeting of Local Runway Safety Teams. Full paper: https://bit.ly/2NclINR
◊ Cold Weather altimetry:
Barometric instruments measure the change in barometric pressure to give altitude information. However, errors might occur in these calculations, which lead to flight crews having to correct these measurements. Many aircraft are currently equipped with instruments that require corrections applied by the flight crew to ensure safe operations in cold weather.
After balancing risk, associated cost, and potential improvement, IFALPA proposed that all newly built aircraft should be equipped with flight instrument that is capable of self-temperature-compensation, that works together with the next-generation navigation systems where vertical navigation will not be affected by temperature. Thus, cold weather altimetry correction by flight crew will not be nec- essary. Such systems should ensure environmen- tal parameters entered by pilots are cross-checked with sensed parameters. Full paper: https://bit. ly/2Is6Fip
◊ Tailwind operations:
In many tailwind-related accident reports, several contributing factors have been identified: piloting techniques, poor decision making, runway assign- ment, wind changes, and runway conditions. In all of these contributing factors shortcomings in train- ing, procedures and legislation can be identified, which create a typical risk in the tailwind operation and require a closer look and a mitigating strategy or a conservative approach. These shortcomings are listed in this position paper, in combination with proposed IFALPA solutions. Full paper: https://bit. ly/2Qo74Fr
◊ Competency based training & assessment
Operators and regulators are currently developing and implementing a Competency Based Training and Assessment (CBTA) approach to pilot licensing and training programs as an alternative to tradi- tional training methods. IFALPA believes that the concept of Competency Based Training and Assess- ment can be a reasonable alternative training and assessment method. It should be used only when it is properly developed, implemented, maintained, and contains as some elements listed in the full position paper: https://bit.ly/2P0eE8P.
IFALPA Safety Bulletin
◊ Destination alternates for Iceland, specifically Keflavik (BIKF)
Iceland has published a difference to ICAO SARPs in their AIP which specifies that alternates are required for operations into Iceland. When conditions in Keflavik are challenging, selecting an alternate should be done carefully. The importance of carrying alternate/extra fuel while operating to Iceland and carefully selecting your alternate cannot be overemphasised. Full paper: https://bit. ly/2xS55SI
