Page 21 - InterPilot 2019 Issue 1

IFALPA.ORG PAGE 21

An aircraft accident will usually attract public attention, and sometimes the pilots
involved in the accident are experienced in dealing with the media. Member As-
sociations need to cooperate with the media, but such cooperation should be
limited to explaining that the Association is not authorised to divulge information
concerning the accident. Discussions of technical aviation terminology may be
undertaken so long as the contributing factors of the particular accident are not
discussed.

Member Associations should look to provide immediate legal assistance to the
crew members, especially in those States in which the crew may be held under
house arrest or under actual detention under criminal charges. However, care
should be taken that the legal assistance should not inhibit the technical accident
investigation. Therefore, it is important to maintain the name, address, and tele-
phone number of a legal counsel considered suitable to provide legal advice to its
pilots and, if the occasion so requires, to the pilots of other Member Associations.

The plan should also cover actions to be taken in the event that the crew does
not survive the accident, or is seriously injured, to be able to co-ordinate with the
company in respect of proper family notification.

The crew will undoubtedly face an emotional reaction to an incident or accident
and therefore consideration should be given to providing appropriate support.
Experience has shown that this is best accomplished by an established Critical
Incident Response Program, where trained peers assist the crew in mentally pro-
cessing the event. Guidance on Critical Incident Response Programs can be found
in the IFALPA Pilot Assistance Manual.

The Emergency Response Plan and Critical Incident Response Program should be
flexible to cover not only assistance to the Association members but to pilots from
other Associations who have become involved in an accident or incident in their
country.

Once developed, the Plan and Program should be used in a practise drill from time
to time, particularly after a change in the Board members or those who cover the
initial calls. Hopefully, they will never have to be used, but an effective Plan and
Program will ensure all members receive the assistance they need.