World first in air safety rules
Australia is leading the world with proposed new air safety rules aimed at minimising human errors and promoting better team work on board aircraft.
Pilots and cabin crew of large commercial aircraft will be given better training and new skills under the proposal being put forward by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority.
CASA is creating a world first by proposing rules which detail requirements for crew resource management training for both pilots and cabin crew.
Crew resource management training improves the communication, teamwork and threat and error management skills of each member of an aircraft crew.
Under the draft rules air operators would be required to provide comprehensive and ongoing crew resource management training specifically tailored to their operations.
Skills to be taught to pilots and cabin crew members would include how to detect human error, prevention of errors, communication inside and outside the cockpit, leadership and team behaviour, stress and fatigue management and maintaining a safety culture.
The initiatives are included in a comprehensive set of draft rules just released by CASA covering the operation of passenger carrying aircraft above 5700 kilograms in take-off weight. This category includes Boeing and Airbus jets, turboprop commuter aircraft and business jets.
While large airlines such as Qantas and Virgin Blue already incorporate many aspects of this training, Australia would lead the world by including these requirements in aviation regulations.
CASA's proposal also details new training requirements for cabin crew aimed at ensuring high standards in cabin passenger safety. Cabin crew would need to be trained in the methods of crowd control to evacuate aircraft, safe stowage of cabin baggage, management of intoxicated people and operation of safety equipment.
Other proposals in the draft rules cover:
- removing the safety differences between charter and regular public transport operations;
- ensuring a mix of experienced and less experienced flight crew;
- comprehensive reserve fuel requirements;
- changes to flight planning and alternative aerodrome requirements; and
- re-introduction of requirements for first aid kits.
CASA has issued a Notice of Proposed Rule Making setting out the proposed Part 121A - Air Transport Operations - Large Aeroplanes regulations and is seeking industry comment by the end of July this year. Full details are in the Regulatory reform section of the CASA web site.
Media contact
Peter Gibson
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Ref: MR0211