16 June 2011
News Release
New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association (NZALPA)

Pilots’ Association Say Collaboration Key to Flight Safety Decisions on Volcanic Ash Cloud

With volcanic ash disrupting travel plans for many kiwis today, the New Zealand Air Line Pilot’s Association (NZALPA) is working closely with its pilots to assess and determine the safest flight conditions.

The Association’s Technical Director, Captain Stu Julian, who is liaising with Pilots around the latest information on the volcanic ash cloud that’s moved across New Zealand, says NZALPA and its members are working within the international framework that details all aspects of aviation safety.

“While the aircraft manufacturers, airlines, service providers such as volcanologists, meteorologists, air traffic services and the Civil Aviation Authority have a significant and important role to play to ensure that pilots have access to the best and latest information so as to make an informed decision about flying to avoid volcanic ash, the ultimate decision rests with the Pilot in Command.

“The Pilot in Command has the final decision to assure safety of any flight. Passengers should take comfort in the knowledge that in any situation, the pilot will take all factors into consideration and make their assessment based on the latest information.”

Airline Operators have a regulatory responsibility to conduct safety based risk assessments and develop acceptable mitigation strategies for operations near any volcanic ash. Once an airline makes a decision to operate then the Pilot in Command will have the authority and responsibility for the safe conduct of flight. This is why it’s important for pilots to have adequate tools, training information and guidelines to deal with volcanic ash.

“The international position is to avoid all volcanic ash as no aircraft is certified for flight into volcanic contaminants. More research and scientific evidence is needed to learn and better understand the implications and effect of ash on aircraft in the short and long term. In the meantime, the best scientific knowledge and accurate 3D modeling is required to ensure the best operational decisions are made. One day we may be able to treat volcanic contaminants as just another hazard.”

Mr Julian says that the NZALPA recognises the economic consequences for both airlines and passengers due to flight cancellations and delays, but will support the decision of its members as safety takes precedence.

The NZALPA has asked its members to provide feedback on what they are experiencing so that they can pass the information on to relevant authorities. ENDS

About NZALPA:
The New Zealand Air Line Pilots’ Association is a professional union for New Zealand pilots and air traffic controllers. Established in 1945, NZALPA is an internationally affiliated professional trade union for New Zealand pilots and air traffic controllers. Our diverse membership includes General Aviation and commercial pilots, flight instructors and approximately 400 of New Zealand’s air traffic controllers in the employ of Airways NZ. Read more about us here.

NZALPA was one of the 13 founding states of IFALPA - the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, an organisation founded to represent the interests of over 100,000 pilots worldwide. IFALPA membership is dispersed through 101 Member Associations who work together as the ‘global voice of pilots’.
In 1965, NZALPA joined the International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers' Associations (IFATCA), which represents 50,000 air traffic controllers worldwide. NZALPA is one of 130 Member Associations affiliated to IFATCA, and has remained an active member in all aspects since joining.

ENDS

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