CASA Media Release - 30 July 1999
Aviation is ready for Y2K
Summary of presentation
Mike Smith, Assistant Director, Civil Aviation Safety Authority
Y2K Infrastructure Forum, Hobart, 30 July
At the passenger carrying end of the aviation industry, there is a high degree of dependence on information technology. However, most equipment related to the safety of flight is not date dependent.
In addition, because of the attention given to risk management in aviation over decades, aviation has been designed with many levels of back-up. In fact, aviation is constantly in contingency mode, as flight schedules change, or as areas cannot be reached because of weather or other problems.
If I was to summarise the state of readiness of the industry, I would have to say that we have moved from fear of litigation to confidence. With the early information we now have - from industry surveys, manufacturers, airports, airlines and air traffic control - I can say that CASA believes aviation will operate safely through the Millennium rollover.
Looking at the aircraft themselves, we see that there is a low level of date dependence. Boeing and Airbus have done extensive tests - including actual flight tests with the clocks rolled forward - and there are no safety of flight issues. Of the thousands of components the manufacturers have tested, they have found just a few flight management systems which have a minor display problem with the date change. These systems have already been fixed by the manufacturers. Planes will not fall from the sky.
Australia's major airlines started their Y2K programs in 1996. So far they have spent more than $200 million. Ninety per cent of the work has been done, and they are on track for certification as Y2K compliant by 30 September. Foreign operators are being closely monitored by CASA. Air traffic control - which directs aircraft flight paths and traffic flow between airports could handle the date rollover issue right now without problems.
Australian airports are 80 per cent complete, and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority is confident they will achieve readiness by 30 September. There has been extensive co-operation by all parties involved in airport operations, and progress is being tracked by the International Air Transport Association, the International Civil Aviation Organization, as well as CASA.
At the regional and charter end of the industry aircraft and systems are less complex, and have even less dependence on dates for operation. CASA has provided extensive guidance material and checklists to all operators on how to prepare for Y2K.
All maintenance organisations, commercial flying operators and licensed aerodromes are to provide Statements of Accomplishment to CASA by 30 September assuring the regulator that safety will not be compromised by date rollover issues.
CASA's Y2K audit program concentrates on passenger carrying operations and we will ground any unsafe operations. CASA is closely monitoring the industry and has been working with the airlines, airports, air traffic control, the Commonwealth Department of Transport and international organisations for more than two years to ensure that it will be safe to fly at the turn of the Century.
Media contact
David Rawlins
ph 0417 474 150
Ref: ME9941PR