Page 4 - 2017-Issue4

4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Small Things, Big Results

FALPA pilots know that small things make a big difference. We understand that what may appear
Ito be a minor decision or isolated action can pack a big benefit or have a major consequence.
Imagine, for example, the rush of relief felt by a flood victim stranded on a rooftop when first
hearing helicopter blades beating through the air and knowing rescue is near. It may be one small
flight, but when the flight is part of the kind of massive helicopter mobilization that Capt. Jeff Smith,
IFALPA Helicopter Committee Vice-Chairman, describes in this issue, the results are huge.
In this edition, we also report on research from the UK Department for Transport, the Military
Aviation Authority, and the British Pilots’ Association revealing that even the smallest drones can
pose a major safety threat to aircraft. A recent IFALPA safety bulletin highlighted that recurring
drone issues at Stockholm Arlanda have forced authorities to close the airport multiple times.
Captain Ron Abel IFALPA pilots around the globe encounter the unsafe operation of drones, and the need is urgent for
IFALPA President more testing on how a collision could affect both helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft.
A small difference in the location of runway lights, markings, or signs can also have big safety
impacts. For example, in response to several incidents since May, our Federation recently alerted
members to the potential for a runway incursion at Toronto/Lester B. Pearson International airport.
Similarly, plans to build a new airport at Mexico City include an outline of the new facility featuring
full markings—that is painted on the surface of a nearby dry lake, creating potential confusion and
distraction for pilots.
At IFALPA’s Airport Ground Environment Fatigue Risk Management System and Runway Safety
Seminar held in Jakarta this August, attendees discussed runway activities at specific airports but
also the broad considerations that must be taken into account in forming and operating local runway
safety teams. Special thanks to the Asosiasi Pilot Garuda as well as to AusALPA and ALPA Singapore
for hosting the event, which established a model of excellence as IFALPA takes the seminar to other
regions.
Small things also matter in accident prevention. IFALPA’s most recent Accident Analysis &
Prevention Committee meeting, held in Tokyo, Japan in September, drew 81 delegates representing
26 Member Associations—an all-time IFALPA committee meeting attendance record. Under the
chairmanship of Capt. Ariel Shocron of SEPLA, the event was hosted by ALPA Japan. I would like
to express my appreciation to ALPA Japan for their time and dedication to making this meeting such
a success.
Seemingly small things can hold big consequences in negotiations as well. Participants at
IFALPA’s upcoming Negotiations Seminar in Amsterdam will learn that, from a single fleet change
to the worldwide economy, it’s critical to be aware of external factors of all sizes that could affect
airline pilots’ negotiating strategies.
While our members’ professional development is a key goal for our association, IFALPA is also
working to inspire the next generation of qualified airline pilots. A story in this issue relates how the
Eastern Townships Airshow & Fair was a regional success in Quebec for more than 20 years, but now
generates enormous results in attracting more than 30,000 aviation enthusiasts to see pilots in action.
Whether it’s IFALPA’s encouraging on social media the Rwanda Civil Aviation Authority and the
AviAssist Foundation’s partnership to advance safety, our work as part of the ICAO Global Aviation
Safety Plan ad hoc group, IFALPA Member Associations’ support of the Ryanair pilots’ fight against
atypical employment models, or our Federation’s participation at the first-ever ICAO Global Aviation
Security Symposium, IFALPA is advancing our pilots’ perspectives in every aspect of aviation.
IFALPA acts on a global scale, but our volunteers also deliver on the details; by working on
committees, double-checking safety policies, and taking time to mentor student aviators. We know
small things can bring big results for the piloting profession.

Capt. Ron Abel

ISSUE 4 | 2017 InterPilot | The Safety and Technical Journal of IFALPA