Page 5 - 2018-Issue2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE 5

Similarly, our volunteers have helped ensure that ICAO policy now
contains stronger safeguards for protecting safety information and
restrictions on the use of cockpit voice recordings outside Annex 13
accident investigation. In the security arena, IFALPA pilots have been active
on issues such as unruly passengers and remotely piloted aircraft systems.

But there is always more to be done. Our efforts to inform and work with
regulators and other stakeholders are essential to our success. One example
is the public’s rush to judgement on the cause of aircraft accidents. IFALPA
members feel deep sympathy for all those affected by the US-Bangla
Airlines Flight 211 tragedy at Kathmandu. At the same time, headlines such
as US-Bangla plane crash: what caused it? remind us of the importance of
guarding against premature conclusions and focusing investigations on
preventing accidents and incidents rather than assigning blame.

Creating professional development opportunities for our volunteers is
also critical. We continue to refine the resources we offer, such as the
newly-released IFALPA Pilot Assistance Manual, which helps member
associations maximize programs and communicate their value. Last year,
IFALPA’s board also authorized a multistage IT modernization project, and
we’ll unveil a revamped web presence later this year.

In more action to encourage collaboration and information sharing, the
IFALPA governing body unanimously approved allowing an IFALPA
regional realignment that replaces the previous structure of CAR/SAM
(Caribbean/South America) and NAM (North America) with a streamlined
organization of CAR/NAM (Caribbean/North America) and SAM (South
America) that reflects commonalities in geography and airspace.

Finally, it’s always a privilege to acknowledge the iconic leaders in our
profession. At this year’s conference, I was honored to bestow Capt. Paul
McCarthy with our highest honor, the Clarence N. Sayen Award, the
highest federation honor for his decades of work in aviation safety.

IFALPA members share their knowledge at Conference, in the cockpit,
and at countless industry events each year. This collective wisdom is our
federation’s strength and our opportunity.

Captain Ron Abel
IFALPA President

InterPilot | The Safety and Technical Journal of IFALPA ISSUE 2 | 2018