Memorandum by the British Airline Pilot's
Association (BALPA)
One of the main areas that have given concern
over the last few years is that of the air quality in the cabin
environment of aircraft. Technological problems combined with
the difficulty of obtaining sufficient airframes, meant that to
run a meaningful investigation was fraught with difficulties.
Very little progress had been accomplished in this area, until
recently.
BALPA are proud to be part of the coalition
that has formed consisting of airframe, and engine manufactures,
airlines, oil companies, the regulatory authorities and of course
us, the professionals exposed to the "risk" that has
formed to investigate this issue. It is our belief that never
before in aviation, anywhere in the world, has such a diverse
coalition formed to investigate an issue.
It is BALPA's belief that this investigation
which has been set up to be of unimpeachable scientific rigour,
is leading the world into the investigation of possible cabin
air toxicity. The equipment has been flight tested and it is anticipated
that the programe will commence in full shortly.
BALPA is mindful that whilst pilots appear to
be getting sick we must not assume that it is of any one causal
factor. Pilots work patterns are extremely disruptive and undoubtedly
cause deep fatigue in many. BALPA would deeply like a coalition
similar to the one on cabin air quality to be set up to investigate
the issue of fatigue.
It is BALPA's view that the Aviation Health
Working Group has been a useful forum now that a co-operative
working relationship has been established. In the last year we
have had most useful presentations on amongst other topics, disinsection
and disinfection of aircraft, heart attacks and defibrillation,
toilets, and various other physiological problems that aviation
has to deal with. We have even had a presentation from Pall Industries
the maker of aircraft filters. Research trips have been organised
to organisations like BRE who lead the field into research into
the cabin environment. Whilst it is our view little progress has
been made into the deliverance of a better cabin environment,
the research into producing a better cabin environment is underway,
that deliverance of the better environment will follow over the
next few years.
The Government, by helping to create an environment
where the different stakeholders have been able to meet and work
together, has enabled an environment to flourish that has benefitted
all, However, it is the realisation of the individuals on AHWG
that there is a better way that has enabled the AHWG to make real
progress.
It is BALPA's view that this symbiotic relationship
should be nurtured and enlarged and we disassociate ourselves
from those who wish to indulge in a confrontational process.
18 June 2007
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