News

News

NEWS Upfront The latest in aviation and industrial news from around the world Be sun aware As summer begins, its useful to remind ourselves of the risks of melanoma and how best to avoid them. Melanoma skin cancer is now the fifth most common form of cancer in the UK, with one person in 53 now being diagnosed with the disease during their lifetime. As you may know, airline pilots and cabin crew experience twice the incidence of melanoma compared with the general population and, despite the popular assertion, this isnt because theyre sunning themselves downroute. Be aware that aircraft windscreens do not provide full protection from UVA rays. We recommend that, when flying in the daytime, you use a UVA + UVB sunscreen with an SPF30 or above, apply sunscreen 30 minutes before you fly, and be particularly aware of areas that are continuously exposed, such as the face, arms, ears or head. Knowing your own skin and whats normal for you can help aid early detection of melanoma. Around 70% of melanomas arise from new marks or lesions so, if in doubt, check it out. That means going to your doctor or AME. Remember, 86% of melanoma cases are preventable, and prevention is the best action for everyone. Keep your details up to date READ MORE Acting Executive Presidents update Industry snapshots 1 2 0 2 2021 The year Manchester will host the IFALPA conference 200 The number of worldwide destinations served by Manchester Airport more than any other UK airport 1868 The year in which the Trades Union Congress (TUC) was founded in Manchester BALPA can only communicate quickly and effectively with you if we have your correct details. Its easy to update your membership info by going to the members area at www.balpa.org or you can send an email to RepsandMemberServices@balpa.org. Please ensure you give us your membership number and full name, as well as the information you need to change. Alternatively, call the membership team on 020 8476 4000. The Log app get each edition straight to your device As you may have spotted in the last edition, we have introduced the new Log app to members. Acting on growing member feedback that youd like an electronic way to read The Log, we worked to fulfil this request. Were really pleased with how the app looks and we hope you are, too. Members can now choose how they view BALPAs latest news and features. Available for mobile and tablet, the new app will allow us to include more images, video content and links. Were also hoping it will lead to extra advertising revenue (which helps us keep costs down) if we can offer the option of video advertising. You can download The Log app by searching BALPA Log in your devices app store. New Aviation Minister Go greener go paperless There has been somewhat of a revolving door when it comes to Aviation Ministers in recent years. Our most recent, Baroness Sugg, was perhaps more of a veteran given her tenure of just over a year and a half in the position. We must commend her, however, for her openness and willingness to work with BALPA on a multitude of issues, and wish her well in her new post. And so we welcome our new Minister, Baroness Vere. We have already made brief contact with her and hope to develop a good working relationship. If youd like to do your bit for the planet, or simply dont want old magazines hanging around in your downstairs loo, you can unsubscribe from the paper version of The Log. Dont worry, you wont miss any of The Logs great content; with the app, you get a notification each time a new issue is released, and this can be downloaded and read anywhere even offline. We will also host all back editions from spring 2019, so if you ever want to pop back and read an article, you can. To unsubscribe from the paper version of the magazine, go to thelog.balpa.org READ MORE Acting Executive Presidents update One hundred years ago, when Messrs Alcock and Brown successfully crossed the Atlantic in their Vickers Vimy, Im sure they never imagined that a mere 50 years later the worlds first supersonic commercial airliner would take to the skies. Its equally hard to comprehend thatthe era of supersonic air travel is behind us. Concorde, now with its proud place in history, remains one of thegreatest examples of aviation innovation in an industry well known for breaking new ground in many areas. Unfortunately, our industrys evolution has not all been good news. The recent tragic events involving Boeings 737 Max raise many questions about new technologies, how we interact with them, and how they are regulated. Crew health and wellbeing are central to an industry that places high demands on its people mentally and physically. We featured this in our last edition and are continuing by looking at burnout and its effects. There are also details on how we can all take part in an ongoing study of the issue. In April, we attended the IFALPA conference in Berlin, where we presented our bid to host the 2021 conference in Manchester. Im very pleased to report that we were successful and shall be bringing you further updates in the coming months. Manchester is a city of great industrial culture and trade union values, and has played a significant role in the progression of British aviation. We welcome the opportunity to bring our international colleagues to this great city and urge all our members to support the event. Safe flying, Paul Naylor, BALPA NEC Acting Executive President and easyJet captain