CHIRP AIR TRANSPORT ADVISORY BOARD – 48TH MEETING

FARNBOROUGH – 30 JUNE 2008

 

MEETING SUMMARY BY CE UKFSC

 

·                    The Agenda.

 

·                    Main points arising from the previous meeting were as follows:

 

·                    Concern previously expressed about the potential harm caused by the artificial smoke used in simulators has been researched and shown to be non-toxic and considered to offer no significant threat.

 

·                    A FODCOM on FTL/Rostering is being drafted by the CAA.

 

·                     The debate on the use and meaning of ‘direct to’ and ‘cleared own navigation’ was continuing at NATS.

 

·                    Reports from crews which expressed concern about the integrity of handling between the simulator and the aircraft had been investigated. The crews appear not to be formally snagging the simulator on completion of the sim ride. It was emphasised that this is the correct action to take in the first instance.

 

·                    The following reports received since ATAB 47 were discussed:

 

·                    CHIRP Reports on the negative impact of ground security checks on flight crews continue to be received in significant numbers. The CAA remain reluctant to act in concert with the DfT due to the inconsistencies and lack of precise reporting on the actual and potential flight safety outcomes in MORs. The possibility of offering security personnel some form of CRM was discussed and mention of a guidance leaflet which made clear the rules and regulations to all parties was also considered.

 

·                    CHIRP has received reports from ground handlers expressing concern on the poor quality of the air on ramps at airports. This was considered to be an HSE issue but they were, as yet, not investigating the problem.

 

·                    Several reports on the confusion, both on the flight deck and in ATC, being caused by changes to airline callsigns as a result of a series of ongoing mergers were discussed. It was decided that this problem had already started to settle down and would disappear altogether in a short time.

 

·                    A report on the apparent confusion on the source and nature of wind reporting to pilots during the approach was widely debated. The wind provided at most airports was in fact an average of the wind for the past 2 minutes and not an instant read out. The wind reported on TAFS was an average over 10 minutes. The CE UKFSC undertook to advertise the background and procedures on wind reporting at the next UKFSC meeting and seek an input from the Met Office for the next edition of FOCUS.

 

·                    Reports on the confusion and complexity of taxi patterns, phraseology and signage at Heathrow prompted a NATS input that a team was to be established at Heathrow to review each of these elements.

 

·                    A report had been received expressing concern about the negative safety effects of rostering on public service helicopters. 

 

 

Rich Jones

Chief Exec

UKFSC