BALPA together with other stakeholders in the industry, including the Department for Transport, the Civil Aviation Authority, Airlines, Engine and the Airframe manufacturers, have been working together to resolve this issue.
BALPA are mindful that pilots are becoming sick and it is therefore imperative that any investigation is:-
• Scientifically unimpeachable
• Explores all avenues.
• Reproducible
• Subject to peer review
Pressure groups have claimed that TCP’s are the problem. The industry’s Aviation Health Working Group agree with the Committee on Toxicity that it would be better to start from the premise that it is not known what causes ill health and to research all possible contaminants.
It is essential that the project is run both swiftly and with the correct scientific protocols. To this end, it is considered that a professional project manager be appointed to run the investigation.
There will initially be two investigations.
1. To investigate which substances are produced when oil is pyrolised.
2. To analyse what volatile and semi volatile organic compounds are released into cabin air.
To illustrate how it is intended that the investigation be robust, it is anticipated that 3 different types of sensing device will be used.
• Solid Phase Micro extraction (SPME)
• Photo Ionisation Detector (PID)
• A ‘Grab Sampler’ being designed by the Building Research Establishment.
In addition.
• The sensing devices will be used in pairs, so that there is always a cross check.
• The analysis of the sensors is to be carried out at two different laboratories.
• Before the commencement of the project, the devices are to be validated by various chemicals - deliberately released into the cabin environment.
• Neither what is released, nor when, is to be known to the laboratories or to the data collectors during commencement and during periodical checks.
It is anticipated that at least two different aircraft types from at least two different operators will be used. Due to the relatively high number of reported incidents with the Boeing 757 and BAe146/Avro RJ, the DfT is attempting to include operators of these aircraft types for the initial survey.
BALPA is working very hard WITH all stakeholders to resolve this issue. We are acutely aware that for this project to reach a successful conclusion, we are dependent on the goodwill and co-operation of all parties. While it might make the authors of headlines such as “pilots breathing poisonous fumes” feel better, it does not advance research into the issue. In Australia, they have been waging a high-level campaign for many years now - but have accomplished little. BALPA do not wish to let down our sick members by getting dizzy on the oxygen of self-delivered publicity.
It is BALPA’s aim to act in the best interests of our members – to achieve real results for real people.
Please contact BALPA’s Flight Safety Department if you require further information or wish to report an event at flightsafety@balpa.org or 0208 476 4066
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