ALPA’s proclamation, “No Cameras in Cockpits,” under One Level of Safety, applies to Part 91
Below the National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) and MyGoFlight|Flight Flix have announced that their partnership making camera products can improve instructors’ ability to review video footage and provide essential and timely feedback to their students.
Consistency in application of a universal aviation standard, a/k/a “ONE LEVEL OF SAFETY”, demands that the Air Line Pilots Association (ALPA) must demand that the FAA prohibit such a denigration of cockpit sanctity.
What is the straight line connecting the camera in the cockpit with ALPA’s opposition.
The inception point in this position: The union has been the #1 exponent of the aphorism “ONE LEVEL OF SAFETY” for decades. The etymology of this phrase traces back to a 1997 statement by then DOT Secretary Federico Peña.
The mantra is often used to describe the safety standards that are expected to be maintained across all airlines and aircraft types. However, according to this unparalled safety expert, union loyalist and regulatory realist, JOHN GOGLIA, “Most aviation professionals aren’t fooled by the “ONE LEVEL OF SAFETY” myth, the sound- bite mantra that the FAA trots out for the public.” To be honest, it is a universal goal and one which is adjusted to the risks associated with each type of operation. For decades, the FAA and its peer civil aviation authorities have defined different measures SUCCESSFULLY + SAFELY1 assigned to three major differentiated operations—Parts 91, 121, and 135.
This incantation has been cited by the pilots for a number of safety failings; for example:
- Creating One Level of Safety for Both Passenger and Cargo Carriers
- Support One Level Safety by Supporting the Safe Skies Act (S. 826 or H.R. 5170)
- ALPA files Opposition to Part 135 Operation
- ALPA Demands FAA Issue Long-Overdue Secondary Barrier Rule
The leadership of the professionals who fly US carriers believe that cameras in the cockpit do not contribute to safety:
ALPA Opposes Cockpit Video Recording For Safety
Says Such Videos Are Of Minimal Value
Cockpit Image Recorders (CIR) refers to the use of video cameras to record events in cockpits. Some proponents, including the NTSB, advocate the installation of CIRs in commercial airliners. NTSB states that CIRs will benefit accident investigations and improve safety by providing new information for investigators.
…
“Contrary to popular opinion, compared to the precise data provided by the DFDR and forensic evidence, video imaging is an imprecise form of information…”
“While CIR will be of minimal value in analyzing and preventing accidents, it represents a MAJOR INVASION OF PRIVACY FOR PILOTS,” ALPA contends. “Having your every move recorded by video cameras is bad enough. Despite strong U.S. laws protecting CVR and CIR tapes from public access, they can be played in court in some circumstances. Tort lawyers will find video recordings to be an irresistible gimmick to increase damage claims for pain and suffering and for alleged negligence. …
“CIR PROVIDES NO SIGNIFICANT ADDITIONAL BENEFITS, WHILE INFLICTING A FAR GREATER INVASION OF PRIVACY THAN CVR RECORDINGS…”
It should be noted that the NTSB vehemently disagrees
SORRY, NAFI, ALPA, speaking ex cathedra2, says no cameras in a cockpit.
Yes, it is possible that the above extrapolations applied the One Level of Safety mantra may not be straight lines, but ALPA’s precedents of ignoring such consistency in its arguments set the bounds of propriety.
Partnership aims to enhance safety in flight training
Possible camera mount
By General Aviation News Staff · October 28, 2023 · Leave a Comment
The National Association of Flight Instructors (NAFI) has partnered with MyGoFlight|Flight Flix, a designer and manufacturer of aviator flight gear, including inflight camera equipment. The Flight Flix camera products can improve instructors’ ability to review video footage and provide essential and timely feedback to their students, according to NAFI officials. EFBs, Phones, and iPads should be secure before flight, and with the new partnership NAFI “aims to promote safer flight operations, better training experiences, and enhanced cockpit organization.”
“Safety is the number one reason for selecting MyGoFlight|Flight Flix as our partner,” said NAFI President Paul Preidecker. “We believe this collaboration will help us BETTER EQUIP FLIGHT INSTRUCTORS AND PILOTS WITH THE TOOLS THEY NEED TO ENHANCE SAFETY and professionalism in aviation. We are excited to work together to further our mission of excellence in flight instruction.”
As a result of this partnership, NAFI members will be able to buy selected
MyGoFlight|Flight Flix products at a discount. More information is available on the NAFI website.
