In 2018, we introduced our BeCA Safety Radar: 16 safety topics which we monitor on a daily basis.

As a pilot’s association, we need to keep track of what is happening in this complex and fast-moving world. Whether it is drones sighting guidelines (https://bit.ly/2YFo7r9), new procedures for in-flight contingencies in oceanic airspace (https://bit.ly/2TSsqNk) or new reporting obligations on cosmic radiation (https://bit.ly/2FOfHXq), if it is safety-relevant we need to know about it. We need to know because we need to inform you. Sure, your airline safety department will try their best to keep you informed about what is happening in the company, but this information is often limited to operational changes and company incidents. A professional pilot, however, digs deeper and stays up-to-date with new developments, rulemaking and topics that will be tomorrow’s news.

This is a lot of work. And since we all have busy schedules and there are more important things in life than work, we make it easy for you. As a BeCA member, we keep you posted about new trends and safety news. We keep track of new IFALPA or ECA guidance. And we inform you about the actions BeCA is taking to ensure your and your passenger’s safety.

The BeCA Safety Radar helps us to structure this work and groups information by topic. Take a look at the Safety section on the BeCA website (beca.be). Currently, there are 8 pages, each covering a specific safety issue. Every page starts with an executive summary which explains What it is about, Why it is important and How we (will) tackle it. If you want to dig deeper, just scroll down and read on for more in-depth info and relevant documents. At the end of the page, you will find an article list of up-to-date safety news related to that specific topic.

Over the course of this year, the Air Safety Committee intends to cover the full scope of the BeCA Safety Radar on our website. Meanwhile, you receive relevant info via the Cockpit Flash, monthly e-news and the BeCA Facebook page (https://bit.ly/2vjw473).

Cabin Air Quality

What?

Aerotoxic syndrome: health issues caused by contaminated cabin air. Exposure can be acute (fumes incident) or chronic (small doses over extended periods). Due to possible high liability claims, the aviation industry (manufacturers & airlines) block investigative studies.

Why?

Because pilots are directly exposed to contaminated cabin air, this is an immediate threat to their health.

How?

BeCA adheres to the precautionary principle (i.e. assume that there is a real threat to flight crew’s health). We call upon authorities and academics to conduct objective, peer-reviewed studies with adequate funding. A first step is the implementation of a standardised post-incident medical protocol.

Runway Safety (incl. go arounds)

What?

• Runway friction measurement/reporting
• Crossing runway operations
• Tailwind (see also Brussels Airport Tailwind – https://bit.ly/2HZpcEs)

Why?

• Deficiencies in RWY friction measurement may lead to runway excursions (RE)
• Crossing RWY operations inherently increase collision risk
• Tailwind operations are a major factor in runway excursions (RE)

How?

BeCA is a valued partner at Local Runway Safety Teams in Belgium and will continue to commit resources to this fruitful initiative

During crossing runway operations (25L+19) in EBBR, aircraft landing on RWY25L should be mandated to vacate at C5, effectively removing a collision risk with departing traffic on RWY19.

Laser Attacks

What?

Some people find joy in targeting laser pens towards aircraft cockpits.

Why?

Not only can pilots suffer long-term eye injury, but the blinding effect could also potentially lead to a flight incident.

How?

Authorities need to take firm action against persons involved in this criminal behaviour. Offenders need to be prosecuted and the public made aware of the dangers and penalties of such irresponsible acts. The sale of these laser pens must be restricted or prohibited.

EBBR (Noise, tailwinds, etc.)

What?

Due to (politically driven) noise restrictions and the airport’s location & equipment (no ILS/RNAV 07L/R), aircraft at EBBR are forced to land with tailwind.

Why?

Tailwind is considered a major factor in the European Action Plan for Prevention of Runway Excursions (EAPPRE – http://bit.ly/33wjfaa)*. Runway excursions (RE) are one of the primary causes of hull losses.

How?

BeCA demands a holistic apolitical solution based on objective data and involvement of all stakeholders. Safety should be the primary concern while taking into account capacity, efficiency (CDA) and new technology (RNAV GNSS, 4D STARs/SIDs).

Dangerous Goods (DG)

What?

Poor quality Lithium batteries might overheat and start an extra-thermal chain reaction which cannot be contained by the current type of fire suppression systems on board of aircraft. Batteries may be present in the cabin (PED, EFB) and in the cargo compartment.

Why?

An uncontained fire is a direct threat to the safety of the people and the aircraft, possibly leading to a catastrophic accident.

How?

Active baggage and cargo screening should minimise the chances of having hazardous items on board. Raise public awareness about the inherent dangers of dangerous goods (Li batteries) and train crews to cope with possible incidents.

Just Culture (JC) & Occurrence Reporting (OR)

What?

A culture in which front-line operators or other persons are not punished for actions, omissions or decisions taken by them that are commensurate with their experience and training, but in which gross negligence, willful violations and destructive acts are not tolerated. The lack of advance administrative arrangements between the judiciary and the BCAA as well as the absence of a national body make Belgium non-compliant with the EU Reg. 376/2014 occurrence reporting regulations (ORR).

Why?

If pilots feel punished for honestly reporting occurrences, hazards may no longer be identified jeopardising our current safety record. This non-compliance may expose pilots to undue prosecution and hence threaten safety reporting.

How?

BeCA will relentlessly defend the Just Culture principle at operator and Belgian national level by providing support to members who are treated unjustly while interacting with airline management, BCAA, judiciary, unions, experts and other stakeholders. BeCA has been strongly calling upon the BCAA and ministry of transport to resolve the situation and will escalate this non-compliance to EASA and the EU Commission if not addressed.

Drones (RPAS/UAV)

What?

Over the last few years, drones (Remote Piloted Aerial Systems – Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) have become very popular to both industry (inspections) and the public (toys). They are cheap and easy to operate. Therefore their numbers will rise exponentially.

Why?

Drones pose a real collision risk to (non-)commercial aircraft and it is likely that a drone strike may lead to a catastrophic accident.

How?

BeCA urges authorities to create clear legislation and enforce existing rules and regulations (incl. training, licensing and approval).

Authorities and ANSPs need to invest in Unmanned Traffic Management (UTM) and consult with other partners in the industry.

Peer Support Programmes

What?

As any other person, pilots may suffer from stress, burn-out, fatigue, addictions or mental illness.

Why?

Pilots should only work when they are fit-to-fly. Due to the high impact of revoking a medical certificate (no work, no income) and the fear of not regaining it when suspended, pilots are reluctant to confess these issues.

How?

BeCA wants to be a key stakeholder in the creation of (a national) Peer/Pilot Support Program (PSP). A safe haven for pilots with psychological issues focused on rehabilitation and getting healthy people back in the air ASAP.

Space Weather & Wake Turbulence

What?

• Weather (effects of global warming)
• Space weather (radiation, GNSS interference, radio comm.)
• Wake turbulence

Why?

Weather is a major factor in many accidents and space weather may disrupt communications and space based navigation systems.

How?

BeCA will actively support studies on (space) weather relevant to aviation and inform pilots about the effects on aircraft and (airborne & ground based) systems.