IFALPA Editorial - On that clear September day.....

On Sunday, the world will mark the 10th anniversary of the attacks on the World Trade Centre and the Pentagon. It seems that all of the world’s TV networks are gearing up for retrospectives marking aviation’s darkest day. Of the trailers advertising the programmes seen by the IFALPA Daily News, most of these programmes are focussing on the events of the day itself with some boasting minute by minute “as it was coverage”. While the validity of this type of coverage is moot, it appears that most of the programming will fail to recognise the role that airline pilots play ensuring the security of their passengers. We have seen many changes in our personal and professional lives since those tragic events and we have learned one valuable lesson, we are the last line of defence for the travelling public. Sadly this is a role that has so often been overlooked by not only TV producers but more importantly, by legislators, regulators and law enforcement officers.

On Sunday, by all means, make the time to pause and reflect on the sacrifice made by the crews of United 93, United 175, American 11 and American 77 when the aircraft they commanded became weapons against all of us. Think of the thousands on the ground who lost their lives on that clear September day. But also spare a thought for those who guard the ramparts of security today, in the firebase, on foot patrol and, those on the final line of defence, pilots manning the flight decks of the world. Foto The Falling Man: Richard Drew