Indian airlines swear by rule of two for securityDGCA has mandated cockpit requirement: Industry leaders
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''We have strict procedures in place regarding the security of our cockpits,'' a spokesperson of Singapore Airlines (SIA) said, not commenting further on any security matters. AP file photo
The recent crash of the Germanwings Airbus A320-200 in the French Alps leading to the death of all 150 passengers and crew on board, believed to have been intentionally caused by the co-pilot, has brought many questions pertaining to flight and pilot safety to the fore.
Flying might be one of the most glamourous, sought-after professions, but with it comes the responsibility of protecting lives in the air. Additionally, airlines have to ensure that their staff are in their best shape. "Pilots are subject to regular medical and psychological profiling,” SpiceJet Chief Operating Officer Sanjiv Kapoor told Deccan Herald, adding that there is no compromise on safety.
US sets the trend
Aviation safety rules changed dramatically following the hijacks and terror attacks of September 11, 2001, in the US. Cockpit door designs began to be integrated with locking mechanisms preventing unauthorised access from outside. Also, cockpit doors were mandated to be shut at all times during flight.
But after last month’s crash, caused by a single pilot taking over controls of an aircraft mid-flight, the “rule of two” has become a rallying point. It mandates that there always ought to be two crew members in the cockpit, during flight. The US was one of the earliest countries to order its airlines to follow the rule, and in the wake of the Germanwings crash, Australia and Canada have also told their airlines to follow suit, so have many other airlines across the globe.
“We have strict procedures in place regarding the security of our cockpits,” a spokesperson of Singapore Airlines (SIA) said, not commenting further on any security matters.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General and Chief Executive Officer Tony Tyler stated, “Airlines are licensed by national governments, and follow safety regulations and procedures of those governments, even with respect to cockpit access and medical requirements. Through experience and sharing of best practices, many will exceed those requirements with their own company policies.”
In India too, carriers have adopted global best practices to ensure that their flights are safe. The two-crew at all times rule is already in existence in India, as mandated and prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “As in the US, there must always be two crew members in the cockpit, so if one pilot comes out, a cabin crew member must be in the cockpit with the second pilot until the first pilot returns. Each time, the cockpit door is opened, cabin crew must first block the forward galley with a galley cart as additional security,” Kapoor informed, adding that these rules are strictly followed by SpiceJet at all times.
A spokesman for India’s youngest airline, Air Pegasus, concurred. “Regarding the rule of two, it is prudent that it’s becoming a practice the world over. Even in our airline, we treat it as a law for safety of our flight and passengers,” Air Pegasus Deputy Chief Operating Officer Murali Sundaram said.
Flying is considered the safest mode of travel in the world. But in recent months, global civil aviation has encountered a spate of aircraft mishaps. But the industry is hopeful. IATA said the number of aviation accidents in 2014 were 73, compared with 90 in 2009. Said Tyler, “...People can take further confidence in the well-established and constant determination of the aviation industry and governments to make this safe industry even safer. Each day, about nine million people board aircraft as passengers. We work as hard as possible to earn and keep their trust....”
Flying might be one of the most glamourous, sought-after professions, but with it comes the responsibility of protecting lives in the air. Additionally, airlines have to ensure that their staff are in their best shape. "Pilots are subject to regular medical and psychological profiling,” SpiceJet Chief Operating Officer Sanjiv Kapoor told Deccan Herald, adding that there is no compromise on safety.
US sets the trend
Aviation safety rules changed dramatically following the hijacks and terror attacks of September 11, 2001, in the US. Cockpit door designs began to be integrated with locking mechanisms preventing unauthorised access from outside. Also, cockpit doors were mandated to be shut at all times during flight.
But after last month’s crash, caused by a single pilot taking over controls of an aircraft mid-flight, the “rule of two” has become a rallying point. It mandates that there always ought to be two crew members in the cockpit, during flight. The US was one of the earliest countries to order its airlines to follow the rule, and in the wake of the Germanwings crash, Australia and Canada have also told their airlines to follow suit, so have many other airlines across the globe.
“We have strict procedures in place regarding the security of our cockpits,” a spokesperson of Singapore Airlines (SIA) said, not commenting further on any security matters.
International Air Transport Association (IATA) Director General and Chief Executive Officer Tony Tyler stated, “Airlines are licensed by national governments, and follow safety regulations and procedures of those governments, even with respect to cockpit access and medical requirements. Through experience and sharing of best practices, many will exceed those requirements with their own company policies.”
In India too, carriers have adopted global best practices to ensure that their flights are safe. The two-crew at all times rule is already in existence in India, as mandated and prescribed by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA). “As in the US, there must always be two crew members in the cockpit, so if one pilot comes out, a cabin crew member must be in the cockpit with the second pilot until the first pilot returns. Each time, the cockpit door is opened, cabin crew must first block the forward galley with a galley cart as additional security,” Kapoor informed, adding that these rules are strictly followed by SpiceJet at all times.
A spokesman for India’s youngest airline, Air Pegasus, concurred. “Regarding the rule of two, it is prudent that it’s becoming a practice the world over. Even in our airline, we treat it as a law for safety of our flight and passengers,” Air Pegasus Deputy Chief Operating Officer Murali Sundaram said.
Flying is considered the safest mode of travel in the world. But in recent months, global civil aviation has encountered a spate of aircraft mishaps. But the industry is hopeful. IATA said the number of aviation accidents in 2014 were 73, compared with 90 in 2009. Said Tyler, “...People can take further confidence in the well-established and constant determination of the aviation industry and governments to make this safe industry even safer. Each day, about nine million people board aircraft as passengers. We work as hard as possible to earn and keep their trust....”