MAX og US ALPA

Pilots Assoc: After Boeing 737 Max crashes, pilots need voice in new aircraft approval

Joe DePete Opinion contributor

Published 6:00 AM EDT Oct 29, 2019

While we cannot know the depth of grief that the families and loved ones of the 346 victims of the Ethiopian Airlines and Indonesian Lion Air accidents are experiencing, the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) shares in the determination to leave a legacy of safety improvements in their honor. For airline pilots, ensuring the highest standards of safety has always been at the forefront of our flying careers.
This week, Congress will examine the events that led to these two terrible tragedies and call on the aviation industry and regulatory authorities to make the changes necessary to safeguard the system. It is imperative that the failures that caused these accidents are thoroughly identified and all necessary corrective actions are implemented. This includes improvements in aircraft design, certification and pilot training.
ALPA advises aviation regulators to make modifications to the certification process, including the rules that govern certification of “derivative models” on existing type certificates. The experience of line pilots who operate these aircraft every day must not be overlooked, and ALPA experts must have the opportunity to review both new aircraft and iterative designs to provide our valuable input. Finally, a minimum of two well-trained, highly qualified pilots in the cockpit for every flight must be the global standard for aviation safety.
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ALPA is committed to ensuring North America’s aviation system remains the safest in the world, and we will be vital to the Max’s safe return to service. The responsibility airline pilots shoulder on every flight is the reason we must be fully informed and involved in bringing the Max back.
As we have for more than 88 years, ALPA will continue to help identify improvements not only during these investigations but also in the long term through the industry’s risk-predictive, data-driven approach to enhancing safety. We will never stop fighting against those who put profits before the safety of passengers and crews.

A Boeing 737 Max

Andy Rain/epa-EFE

Whether it’s the decision on the return of the 737 Max to service or the decision to take off on every flight, it’s only safe to fly when your pilots say it is.
Capt. Joe DePete is the president of the Air Line Pilots Association, International.