SafeSkies Newsletter, Vol. 1, No. 2

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SAFESKIES NEWSLETTER
Volume 1, No. 2

http://safeskies.ca

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August 15, 2009


LATEST NEWS FROM SAFESKIES
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Welcome to the second issue of the SafeSkies Newsletter!

Please take some time to browse around the website, http://safeskies.ca and review the latest updates.  We have added a “History of the Bill” page, an “Aviation Glossary” for visitors who are unfamiliar with many of the terms regularly used by the aviation industry and on the website, many new links to complimentary websites on the “Related Resources” page, and relevant news links involving Round Table participants and organizations. We have also added a link to our new Facebook group on the “Newsletter and Networking” page.

Further additions that can be expected in the near future include a section devoted to serious incidents and accidents, involving working pilots, which have occurred since the Round Table event.

We have set aside the petition until such a time as we have garnered more public attention.   As mentioned in the last newsletter, several media outlets will be hosting stories in the coming months.  After these have been published, it is suspected that it will be easier to find members of the public willing to assist in promoting the petition.

In the coming weeks you will notice a few changes to the way the website displays and is navigated.  Should you experience any problems, please let us know.

Finally, we regret to inform you that Kirsten Brazier has left the SafeSkies initiative.  We wish her the best of luck in the future.

Please continue to send your comments, questions and story ideas to
Kirsten.stevens@safeskies.ca .

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INDUSTRY NEWS
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Confidential sources have recently advised that the federal government no longer intends to reintroduce amendments to the Aeronautics Act which, although flawed, would have provided the necessary enablement to enforce Safety Management Systems related regulations. Although we had great concerns about the proposed Bill(s), it is a great disappointment that – if true – this means all the hard work during the various SCOTIC hearings will be abandoned, and Transport Canada will be allowed to continue implementing mandatory SMS throughout the industry without the due process of public consultation and debate.  (See http://safeskies.ca/history.html)

Canadian attention continues to be drawn to the March 12th fatal helicopter crash off Newfoundland.  Recent CBC articles have covered both the arrangements for a Public Inquiry, http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/08/11/wells-inquiry-811.html, and the lawsuit by the victims and their families, http://www.cbc.ca/canada/newfoundland-labrador/story/2009/08/04/helicopter-newfoundland-804.html.

Three fatal accidents in the last two weeks are likely to draw further
attention to helicopter safety in Canada.

Two other fatal aircraft crashes this month may result in examination of both pilot age and accident record.

Down south of the border, the fatal August 8th collision of a helicopter and small aircraft over the Hudson River have again sparked intense criticism of the FAA by the NTSB. http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/14/nyregion/14crash.html?_r=1

On a final note, we suggest reading “Effective Risk Management Depends on Strong Rules and Not Cutting Corners”, by Captain Donald Van Dyke, and recently printed in Professional Pilot Magazine, http://www.propilotmag.com/archives/2009/June%2009/A2_Management_p1.html

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