The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and the European Cockpit Association (ECA) are highly concerned with the situation of heightened tensions in Eastern Europe. The situation appears comparable to that of summer 2014, which led to the tragic downing of

Two years ago – in June 2019 – I attended the joint EASA/FAA Conference in Cologne on behalf of ECA. My mission: find out how aircraft certification would evolve after the two fatal crashes and subsequent grounding of the B737MAX. I was only one of the few pilots present, attending along

Just before the start of the pandemic the European Commission changed the requirements that the EU Member States must fulfill before a crew or airport identification card may be issued. There are two major changes that may have important consequences for crew. They will enter into force

Since January 19, 2022, I have no idea what behavior the Radar Altimeters on board of the airplane I fly will show when flying in the USA. It could either fail, generate no data or even worse, create erroneous data which will be used by other aircraft systems. Pilots, just like myself,

Applications closed

One of the most recurrent messages I hear from pilots (and not only pilots) is “Why would I report this if nothing will ever change?”  The disappointment and frustration with some of the reporting channels that exists in Europe is striking. Pilots don’t feel confident and comfortable to

ITA (Italia Trasporto Aereo) Airways officially launched on 15 October, effectively replacing Alitalia as Italy’s proud flag carrier, that had held the title for 75 years. This has marked the reboot of the Italian aviation industry as we knew it, with major consequences for crew.

Once-known for high social standards and excellence, Scandinavian Airlines SAS is on course of ruining its reputation and alienating employees, passengers, and politicians all at the same time. The airline has left hundreds of loyal employees behind after the Covid crisis, some with over

Ultrafine particles in aircraft linked to engine operation, oil leakage and ill health | Ryanair gets a lesson in “Commander’s Discretion” from Spanish Court | Returning to work: Seatbelts (loosely) fastened | Capt. Tanja Harter on eye-tracking technology | Icelandic pilots fight injustice

If you think the debate about ‘masks’ vs. ‘no masks’ during the pandemic was heated, gear up for the next episode: vaccine mandates. In the US and several other countries across the world, vaccine mandates are introduced as a way of boosting vaccination levels. Unsurprisingly, those ideas

There is a lot of talk and hope of a ramp up, a recovery, airlines emerging from the crisis or new startups but the reality is that airlines are not recruiting pilots. Operations are still far below the 2019 levels and the prospects of the upcoming winter season are bleak.

A few weeks ago on a North Atlantic crossing, while engaged in a discussion with the First Officer, he somehow surprised me with a strong belief, that the world would never again see another security breach of the 9/11 magnitude. 20 years have passed since the disastrous attacks using