ALPA Canada Board Statement on Germanwings Flight 4U 9525

WASHINGTON, March 26, 2015 /CNW/ - The Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l Canada Board today issued the following statement regarding Germanwings Flight 4U 9525.

"The members of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l, remain deeply saddened by the tragic loss of life on Germanwings Flight 4U 9525. Our thoughts are with all those affected.

"The North American air transportation system is the safest in the world because of a dedicated commitment by government, industry, and labour to work together to advance proven policies and procedures focused on achieving the highest standards.

"Canadian airlines have Transport Canada-approved procedures in place for accessing the flight deck, which is the most effective tool to safeguard the flight controls and crew and to prevent unauthorized entry to the flight deck. Today, Transport Minister Lisa Raitt issued a directive requiring two crewmembers be present on the flight deck of passenger airlines at all times.

"Airline pilots in Canada are subject to rigorous screening and evaluation prior to being hired. Once hired, flightcrew members are evaluated continuously throughout their careers through training, medical exams, and other programs by the airline and during random flight checks by Transport Canada. In addition, all flight and cabin crewmembers monitor and evaluate each other while on duty, and procedures, processes, and programs exist to respond should a concern arise.

"Many factors may have contributed to the Flight 4U 9525 tragedy. We urge the public to refrain from speculating about what may have transpired and allow a thorough investigation to be undertaken."

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world's largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 30 airlines in the United States and Canada, including the more than 2,500 Canadian flightcrew members who fly for Air Transat, Bearskin, Calm Air, Canadian North, CanJet, First Air, Jazz Aviation, Kelowna Flightcraft, and Wasaya. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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SOURCE Air Line Pilots Association, Intl

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