Why pilot associations want to be part of AI-171 probe

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The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) and Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA-I) have expressed serious concerns regarding the preliminary report. Both have questioned the exclusion of pilot representatives from the investigation process.
Why pilot associations want to be part of AI-171 probe
 Credits: CISF

The Aircraft Accident Investigation Bureau’s (AAIB’s) preliminary report on the fatal crash of Air India flight 171 in Ahmedabad has led to bizarre speculations about an error on part of at least one of the flight crew.

The AAIB report has been widely criticised for not revealing the full transcript from the cockpit voice recorders while giving "no recommended actions" to Boeing, the manufacturer of the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner aircraft.

The Federation of Indian Pilots (FIP) and Airline Pilots’ Association of India (ALPA-I) have expressed serious concerns regarding the preliminary report. Both have questioned the exclusion of pilot representatives from the investigation process.

“At the outset, we would like to register our dissatisfaction with the exclusion of pilot representatives from the investigation process. We also firmly object to the way in which the preliminary report has been interpreted and presented publicly,” FIP said earlier this week. “The report, as released, lacks comprehensive data and appears to rely selectively on paraphrased cockpit voice recordings to suggest pilot error and question the professional competence and integrity of the flight crew. This approach is neither objective nor complete,” it added.

Assigning blame before a thorough, transparent, and data-driven investigation is both premature and irresponsible, the FIP said, adding that such speculative commentary undermines the professionalism of highly trained crew members and causes undue distress to their families and colleagues.

ALPA-I, too, has requested to be included as an observer in the ongoing investigation of AI171 crash. ALPA-I has written letters to both the AAIB and the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), requesting to be included in the investigative process, at the very least as observers, to ensure that the perspectives of frontline professionals are considered and that the process maintains public trust. “We believe that, in keeping with global best practices and ICAO Annex 13 (Paragraphs 5.24 and 5.25), pilot associations can be permitted to assist in investigations as technical advisers. These paragraphs allow the State conducting the investigation to include advisers nominated by accredited representatives, provided they possess suitable qualifications. In many countries, including the United States, United Kingdom, and Australia, pilot unions and associations routinely participate in this capacity,” ALPA-I said on July 18.

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ALPA-I had earlier flagged lack of transparency in the AI171 probe. “Investigations continue to be shrouded in secrecy, undermining credibility and public trust,” it said. “Qualified, experienced personnel—especially line pilots—are still not being included in the investigation team,” it added. ALPA-I also questioned the way sensitive investigation details were selectively leaked to international media. “The tone and direction of the investigation suggest a bias toward pilot error,” ALPA India said, categorically rejecting this presumption and insisting on a “fair, fact-based” inquiry.

ALPA-India represents more than 800 pilots from both airline and helicopter operations across India, is affiliated with the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), a global body representing around 100,000 pilots from over 100 countries.

The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA), too, cautioned against hasty conclusions published by the media and social media based on AAIB’s report. “Whilst this preliminary report by its very nature raises many questions, it does not provide answers, and any extrapolation of its content can only be regarded as guesswork, which is not helpful to the good conduct of the investigation,” the Montreal-based association said. IFALPA urged all parties to refrain from speculation, allow the investigation to run its full and proper course, and avoid drawing conclusions from preliminary information.

The AAIB may take as much as 12 months to come out with its full report on the AI171 crash.

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