Global Pilots Symposium

Each year, on the day preceding the IFALPA Conference, a Global Pilots Symposium is held bringing pilots together to discuss and debate substantive issues of common interest to commercial pilots.

This year's symposium held on 4 May, focussed on the world's pilots working together in a unified manner with a singular message.

The day began with a panel discussion on new and improved mutual assistance concepts that involve commercial pilots helping other pilots through a focus on quick, active responses, both in person and on social media to enhance global pilot unity.

The symposium also focussed on reduced crew operations, an emerging and common threat to passenger transport services internationally.

IFALPA Human Performance Committee Chair Capt Tanja Harter joined a panel of other pilots to discuss reduced crew operations, single crew operations and associated safety hazards and threats foreseen by pilots.

IFALPA Technical Officer Capt Priya Doobares presented IFALPA's position paper on Extended Minimum Crew Operations and concluded by achieving agreement from the pilots present on a collective position:

'Safety Starts with 2' campaign

The safety of every airline flight always starts with at least two qualified pilots on the flight deck.

Currently, every aspect of a flight, from procedures to operations, is designed for two pilots. Trained pilots cope with complex operations beyond flying the aircraft - such as passengers with medical emergencies to inflight security threats.

Pilots are the last line of defence against aircraft accidents. We are much more than a reactive profession - we proactively define mitigations and protections every day we work. That cannot be diluted without diluting passenger safety

For more resources visit: safetystartswith2.com