A
study of 7,200 pilots across Europe on safety
culture, the largest ever conducted, has shown more
than half of pilots lack confidence in the safety
culture within their airline.
In
reaction to the study, the British Airline Pilots’
Association says it is ‘not surprised’ by the
findings and that fatigue remain top of their
members’ concerns across all types of airlines.
BALPA
is already working with the Civil Aviation Authority
(CAA) to improve fatigue reporting, particularly
following the introduction of EASA flight time
limitations in February this year, which can legally
allow a pilot to be rostered for shifts of up to 20
hours. The study also shows that less than 20%
agreed their company cares about their wellbeing.
BALPA’s Head of Flight Safety, Dr Rob Hunter, said:
“It’s not surprising to BALPA that the LSE survey
shows more than 50% of pilots feel fatigue is not
being taken seriously by their company. Fatigue has
been a growing issue among pilots and has only
intensified since the introduction of EASA flight
time limitations earlier this year. BALPA has been
working with all airlines and carriers to improve
their fatigue management.
“Our
own survey with in collaboration with the CAA
previously highlighted similar issues, with pilots
not having confidence in their companies’ attitudes
towards fatigue or reporting of fatigue. Safety is
the top priority for pilots, as is demonstrated in
the LSE’s survey, with 93% agreeing their colleagues
take safety seriously.
“We
welcome further research into safety culture, an
important area that is often ignored, and hope that
this latest survey will shine some light on the
issues faced by today’s pilots.” |