Aussie airlines keen on twosome
The Qantas Group and Virgin Australia have both confirmed it will abide by the new “rule of two” after it was revealed a pilot was deliberately locked out of the cockpit in the Germanwings plane crash last week.
While regulators worldwide look to adopt the new policy, domestic and international airlines will have to immediately comply and have two members of the operating crew, or authorised people, on the flight deck at all times except on aircraft with less than 50 seats, Transport Minister Warren Truss announced yesterday.
The new ruling includes up to 300 aircraft across Qantas, QantasLink, Network Aviation and Jetstar flights, but excludes QantasLink’s fleet of 18 Q200s and Q300, “which generally operate on short sectors of one or two hours where the need for pilots to leave the cockpit is minimal”, the airline stated.
“When one pilot needs to leave the cockpit for any reason, another authorised person will occupy the jump seat (as distinct from the control seats occupied by the Captain and First Officer) until they return,” the airline said.
“Qantas Group flights have between two and four operating pilots on board, depending on duration and aircraft type.”
“We have a comprehensive safety management system that guards against risks to our operations.”
According to Qantas, “numerous layers of screening and support for pilots, ranging from regular medical checks to stress management training, confidential counselling and pilot-to-pilot support networks” take effect within the organisation.
“Together with regulators and other airlines, Qantas will closely study any learnings that stem from the Germanwings tragedy to help make aviation even safer,” the airline said.
Virgin Australia added it would also implement the new policy.
“Safety is our number one priority, and the Virgin Australia Group continuously undertakes thorough risk reviews to maintain the highest safety and security standards,” Virgin said.
Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au
airline Cockpit Germanwings qantas Rule of Two virgin australia Warren TrussLatest News
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