Page 19 - InterPilot 2019 Issue 1

IFALPA.ORG PAGE 19

7. If possible, make copies of all documents relating to your flight and retain them
for your use only. These can prove invaluable when you are trying to reconstruct
the various aspects of your flight. Even if there is little or no governmental or
company involvement initially, subsequent lawsuits could require your testimo-
ny in court. In addition, they will help you prepare your formal statement to your
company and to Government authorities. A hastily written statement, initially
designed to help you, could be taken out of context and introduced as evidence
against you at a future date.

8. As soon as possible after the accident or incident, make as many notes as pos-
sible regarding the situation, for the exclusive use of your legal counsel. These
will be of assistance to you for the purposes listed above. PLEASE NOTE: Any
notes or other written material prepared by the pilots could be used in proceedings
against them.

9. Prepare ALL written statements with the help of your legal counsel and/or As-
sociation representatives. Any statement should be approved by your legal ad-
visors before it is signed. You will probably be required to furnish your airline
and Government authorities, where requested, with a written statement within
a specified time. All written statements should be given to your airline which, in
turn, will provide the Government authorities with any required copies.

Remember to file an ASRS report if the event is classified as an incident. If the
event occurs in airspace controlled by U.S. Federal Aviation Regulations, file a
U.S. NASA ASRS report for the purpose of possibly obtaining immunity from
prosecution.

10. In both oral and written statements, do not state untruths. It will be to your detri-
ment to do so. The truth is the most powerful weapon you have.

11. When answering questions listen carefully to the question. Give short, precise
answers, and speak strictly to the facts. Do not conjecture regarding the event.
Remember, if they ask for the time, do not build them a clock. Do not volunteer
unsolicited statements.

12. If possible, do not give your pilot’s licence to any Government inspector. He may
look at it, but you should hold on to it. A formal set of procedures should nor-
mally be followed before you can be required to relinquish your licence unless
you voluntarily surrender it.

13. Talk only to those you can trust. There is nearly always a tremendous compul-
sion to immediately talk over what happened with someone. Make sure that
this person is someone who has your best interests at heart. After an accident,
everyone has a sincere desire to determine the contributing factors. However,
your Association and your friends are the only participants without any other
vested interests to protect.

Regardless of the circumstances, the crew nearly always suffers some post-
accident/incident trauma. Guilt feelings are almost always present. Talk to those
you trust to help relieve yourself of these feelings.