Latest news with #InternationalFederationofAirLinePilots'Associations
News18
15-07-2025
- General
- News18
Selective Leaks, Missing Context: Global Pilots' Body Flags Gaps In Air India Crash Probe Report
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations said releasing selective cockpit audio without full analysis can encourage what it termed 'narrative framing' The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA), representing over 1,00,000 professional pilots worldwide, has issued a sharp critique of the preliminary crash report on the ill-fated Air India Flight 171, calling it incomplete, speculative, and lacking critical context. In a formal statement, IFALPA said the report by India's Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau (AAIB) 'raises more questions than it answers", particularly in its depiction of the cockpit sequence that preceded the June 12 crash. The federation warned against the premature assignment of blame, stating that key facts and technical details are still missing. 'The early release of selected information—particularly cockpit voice recordings—without a full investigative context risks misleading both the public and policymakers," the federation said. 'This approach not only undermines investigative integrity, it also casts unjust suspicion on crew members who can no longer speak for themselves." The 15-page preliminary report confirms that both engines of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner lost power shortly after takeoff from Ahmedabad, following an abrupt shift of the fuel control switches from 'RUN" to 'CUTOFF". However, it does not conclude whether the action was mechanical, accidental, or deliberate. IFALPA's primary concern lies in how the report presents these findings. The global pilots' body noted that no definitive mechanical faults were identified and no safety recommendations were made—a significant omission in their view, especially given the public speculation that has followed. 'In the absence of clear mechanical explanations, the vacuum is being filled with speculation," IFALPA warned. 'Investigations must remain focused on facts, not insinuation." The pilots' group also voiced support for Indian pilot unions, including ALPA-India and the Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA), who have separately condemned the handling of the investigation and demanded transparency, including observer status for pilot representatives. Call for Transparency and Patience IFALPA called on the AAIB and Indian aviation authorities to adhere strictly to international standards under ICAO Annex 13, which outlines procedures for impartial accident investigation and stakeholder participation. The federation said this includes protecting sensitive data until it can be responsibly interpreted within the final report. 'We urge all stakeholders—including media outlets and public officials—to allow investigators the time and space needed to reach factual, technical conclusions. The rush to judgment benefits no one and disrespects the victims and their families." As the investigation continues, IFALPA reaffirmed its commitment to supporting a professional and evidence-driven process, and to defending the integrity of pilots against premature criticism. The final report on the AI171 crash is expected later this year. The Pilot Association in India has also condemned the Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) for suggesting that the pilots of Flight AI-171 were responsible for cutting off the fuel to the engine. Speaking exclusively to CNN-News18, Sam Thomas, head of the Pilot Association in India, called the report 'laughable" and questioned the timing of the report's release, the reasons for not asking GE and Boeing to carry out further checks on the engine and aircraft, the partial release of the cockpit conversation transcript, and the lack of a timestamp on when the cut-off switch was first activated. He added: 'The report has led to more confusion than clarity. Using one line from the cockpit voice recorder to insinuate that the pilots cut out the fuel control switches is misleading. This action is actually part of a checklist if you lose both engines. When you put out such a report that says nothing definitive and insinuates something else, it becomes open to interpretation. A lot of people who have not even seen a picture of the airplane are commenting on it. Very irresponsible comments are being circulated, regarding the pilot's deliberate action to crash the plane, and it is making rounds in the western media." view comments Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Hindustan Times
15-07-2025
- General
- Hindustan Times
Air India plane crash report: Global pilots' body cautions against ‘hasty conclusions'
The International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) has urged the public to exercise restraint regarding the preliminary probe report on the Air India plane crash in Ahmedabad on June 12. Wreckage of Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft, which was operating flight AI 171 from Ahmedabad to London, was placed under tight security, seen a month after the tragedy, in Ahmedabad, Saturday, July 12, 2025.(PTI) In a statement issued on Monday, the IFALPA emphasised that the report contains only initial findings and does not offer conclusions about the cause of the crash. The federation also cautioned against 'hasty conclusions' published by the media and social media based on the preliminary probe report. 'IFALPA again cautions against hasty conclusions published by the media and social media based on this report. As a reminder, a Preliminary Report is merely the means of communication used for the prompt dissemination of data obtained during the early stages of the investigation and only contains factual information and an indication of the progress of the investigation,' it said. Also Read | Key to fatal Air India crash mystery: 32 seconds in flight deck While acknowledging that the report raises 'many questions' and "does not provide answers", the global pilots' body stressed that any 'extrapolation of its content' can only be regarded as guesswork, which would not be helpful to the investigation. 'Whilst this preliminary Report by its very nature raises many questions, it does not provide answers, and any extrapolation of its content can only be regarded as guesswork, which is not helpful to the good conduct of the investigation,' it said. Also Read | Air India crash report found no mechanical or maintenance issue, says airlines' CEO 'IFALPA also notes that the Report clearly states that no safety recommendations are being provided at this stage. The Federation remains committed to supporting the efforts of the AAIB of India as they work to determine the contributing factors of this accident,' it added. What Air India's plane crash report said Air India's Boeing 787-8 aircraft en route to London Gatwick crashed into a medical hostel complex soon after take-off from Ahmedabad, killing 241 persons out of the 241 onboard. An additional 19 people lost their lives on the ground. The preliminary report, released by the Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau after a month, revealed that, on the June 12 Air India flight, both engine fuel switches had moved from 'RUN' to 'CUTOFF' position just one second apart during take-off. Also Read | Allegations of human error 'deeply insensitive': Pilots' body after Air India crash report 'In the cockpit voice recording, one of the pilots is heard asking the other why he cut off. The other pilot responded that he did not do so,' the report added. Several pilot bodies have raised concern over imputations being made in the media and social media on the role of the AI171 pilots. The Indian Commercial Pilots' Association (ICPA) has called accusations against the AI171 pilots and flight crew a 'gross violation' and a 'disservice to the profession'.
Business Standard
25-04-2025
- Business
- Business Standard
On World Pilots' Day, Sky One Group Chairman Jaideep Mirchandani Calls for Stronger Domestic Pilot Training Infrastructure to Meet Soaring Demand
NewsVoir Mumbai (Maharashtra) [India], April 25: It was in 2014 that the International Federation of Air Line Pilots' Associations (IFALPA) officially designated April 26th as World Pilots' Day, acknowledging the essential role pilots play in sustaining global aviation. Since then, the day has been observed annually to honour their contribution in connecting people and ensuring safe air travel. Even in today's tech-driven era, with ongoing advances in autonomous flight research, pilots remain at the heart of flight operations and are irreplaceable. With the aviation sector expanding rapidly, the global demand for trained pilots continues to rise. According to Boeing's 'Pilot and Technician Outlook 2024-2043,' 6,74,000 new pilots will be needed over the next 20 years to operate and maintain the global commercial fleet. The report highlights strong demand in the Asia-Pacific region, particularly in countries like India, where civil aviation is growing steadily. Recently, Civil Aviation Minister K. Rammohan Naidu noted that India will require around 30,000 pilots over the next 15 to 20 years, considering the scale of aircraft orders placed by Indian airlines. Official data shows that the country currently has about 6,000 to 7,000 active pilots, a number that must rise substantially to meet future needs. The government is introducing several measures to address this, and according to Jaideep Mirchandani, Group Chairman of Sky One, India should now set its targets on becoming a global hub for pilot training. In 2023, India issued a record 1,622 Commercial Pilot Licenses (CPLs), though the number dropped to 1,342 in 2024. Mr. Mirchandani stresses the importance of maintaining momentum through timely policy updates. "The DGCA's new rating system for Flying Training Organisations (FTOs) is a step in the right direction, as it promotes higher training standards. Strengthening the domestic training infrastructure and developing dedicated airports for cargo and pilot training can have a lasting impact," he says. He also points to the need for cadet programmes structured around models used in Western countries, where training is often subsidised or partially funded. "The cost of pilot training is shaped by multiple factors, including rising aviation fuel prices, the use of imported simulators and spare parts and the need for experienced instructors, many of whom are brought in from abroad. Addressing these challenges requires effective coordination between the Ministry of Civil Aviation, airlines, training institutes and other key players," he explains. Mirchandani adds that introducing financial support mechanisms, such as subsidised loans or scholarships, can ease the burden for aspiring pilots. "Encouraging airlines to train and employ local talent not only helps fill the current gap but also contributes to the broader economy through job creation and reduced dependence on foreign-trained pilots," he concludes.
