President's Column

ECA outside Brussels
Nov 2, 2011

When we think about ECA, what comes to mind is Europe and therefore Brussels. However, ECA has also an important role to play outside of Brussels and is a recognised world safety body, as shown by the many invitations to speak that I have received in the past months. At the beginning of October, I was invited to speak to the IATA AVSEC World 2011 (an international conference on aviation security) in Amsterdam, where I raised the issue of new threats, such as cyber threats, laser attacks, Chemical, Biological, Radiological and Nuclear threats (CBRN) and insider threats.

ALPA International Air Safety Forum
Oct 4, 2011

From 15 to 18 August, ALPA International (our North American counterpart) held their yearly Air Safety Forum, where I had the opportunity to speak about ECA’s work in the security area. This event is one of the most interesting events on Aviation Safety organised by pilots and attended by some 500+ representatives worldwide – from US Government Officials to National pilots’ associations and aircraft manufacturers.

easyJet
Jul 20, 2011

A couple of years ago the easyJet pilot group (ePG) was created. This is a cooperation between easyJet pilots based in the UK, Spain, Italy, France and Germany. They are represented by the local Member Associations from ECA, i.e. BALPA, SEPLA, IPA, SNPL and VC.

Piloting Safety
Jun 21, 2011

This month has been one where we as ECA were able to once again highlight our slogan that drives our daily work here in Europe: “Piloting Safety”.

Is Aviation more Secure now?
May 18, 2011

Since 1999 I have been involved in aviation security and since that time one of the names of the most wanted terrorists has been Osama Bin Laden. After the terrible attacks of 11 September 2001, he and his network have attracted not only the attention of the world’s intelligence services, but also of aviation security experts around the globe.

No Decrease in Safety because of Commercial Interests
Apr 20, 2011

One of the most important issues threatening the safety of our profession are the proposed new rules to Flight Time Limitations (FTL). EASA has missed a chance to comply with ICAO Annex 6 to base FTL rules on scientific studies to ensure that fatigued air crew do not endanger flight safety. The proposed new rules are lowering the existing standards.

Welcome!
Mar 22, 2011

On 24 February I had the honor to be elected as President of ECA. I have the difficult task but also the honor to succeed to Captain Martin Chalk who dedicated 6 years of his career to leading ECA Members at EU level.  I am keen on this challenge and I will put my full effort in the difficult tasks that lay ahead of us.

 Our major battle this year is the ongoing revision of Europe’s Flight Time Limitations (FTL) scheme. Our priority is to ensure that the future FTL rules are not the result of political and economic compromises.

“Preconceived notions are the locks on the door to wisdom.” - Merry Browne.
Feb 17, 2011

As pilots, we know from our training that human beings use preconceived ideas and beliefs to simplify a complex world. The classic example is the mistrust of people who are ‘not like us’ – commonly displayed as sexism, racism or homophobia. From the perspective of a safety professional, however, allowing preconceived ideas to interfere in our thinking can be a very dangerous human habit. For example, for the last 25 years, every time I have selected the landing gear down, it has come down.

What are the costs of an aircraft accident? (President's Column)
Dec 14, 2010

What are the costs of an aircraft accident? How do we measure the value of hundreds of people’s lives? Can we ever calculate the millions of Euros worth of damage? How should we calculate that cost and set it against the inevitable commercial cost of the investments necessary to avoid the tragedy in the first place?

What have we achieved? (President's Column)
Nov 16, 2010

In key areas of European based professional pilots’ lives, ECA has had an enormous impact. Flight Time Limitations (FTL), the rules surrounding medical and licence proficiency requirements, the development of international air transport agreements and the development of the next generation of air traffic management systems are just the tip of the iceberg.