As we navigate the changing landscape of the aviation industry, its more important than ever to stand united. BALPA deals with global issues, from sustainability to safety to working conditions, and we are a member of the European Cockpit Association (ECA) and of the International Federation of Airline Pilots Associations (IFALPA). These connections are essential for the impact we need as a union that represents a safetycritical profession. In recent months, weve seen challenges that have called for collective action. The issue of flight safety continues to be at the forefront of our work its the foundation on which our industry stands. Thats why BALPA has been pushing for the highest safety and regulation, ensuring this reflects the realities of day-to-day operations. Growing threats are spoofing and jamming: as a union, we have called for stronger measures against them, and better safeguarding technology. We have also moved spoofing to the top of IFALPAs agenda to take to the International Civil Aviation Organisation. We urgently need countermeasures and legislation that evolves to keep pace with the increasing sophistication of these threats. We also continue to stand firmly against reduced crew operations, which are a huge gamble. With the international Safety Starts with 2 campaign, we have been working hard on this front, alongside other membership associations. Ancient working practices must change: were spending more time flying with less rest between flights. This is unsustainable and the industry, both in the UK and globally, needs to listen to pilots concerns about fatigue. We are fortunate to have such a committed membership and our collective voice is stronger than ever. Thank you for your continued dedication to BALPA. Your hard work and unity lets us make meaningful change. Paul Copland, BALPA NEC Executive President and British Airways Captain Upfront The latest in aviation and industrial news from around the world N E WS Executive Presidents welcome Calls for restraint amid aviation accidents spike There were a number of tragic aviation accidents over the 2024/25 festive period. During this time, BALPAs Accident Analysis and Prevention group contacted our colleagues at the International Federation of Air Line Pilots Associations to offer assistance and support. While BALPA remains actively involved in supporting members who are subject to investigations, the organisation also avoids commenting on incidents that have not yet reached the final report stage. This can mean BALPA is not in the media eye in the immediate aftermath of an air incident but this is done for a reason, say Stefan Episkopou and Katy Lee, of BALPA Accident Analysis and Prevention. In our experience, thorough, fair and well evidenced investigations can only happen when they are sufficiently protected from noise and outside pressure, they write on the BALPA website. For this reason, we continue to remind governments, the media, and all speculators that accident investigations must be given the space and time they need to find all contributing factors, to allow the industry to learn and adapt, so we can all be safer. Read more on this topic on page 10. COASTGUARD HELICOPTER CONCERNS DISCUSSED IN PARLIAMENT BALPA recently brought the pilots perspective into sharp relief during a parliamentary debate on coastguard helicopter services. MPs discussed many of the concerns raised by BALPA, and the debate underscored the importance of health and safety, adequate resourcing and local engagement in the provision of this vital service. BALPA contributed to a significant victory for communities that rely on coastguard helicopter services, with the service out of Sumburgh and Stornoway being safeguarded at the existing response time of 15 minutes during the daytime and 45 minutes at night. Orkney and Shetland MP Alistair Carmichael welcomed the news: It will be a relief for everyone who works and travels at sea around the Northern Isles and, indeed, across the UK, he said. Read the debate in full at bit.ly/3DCc0EJ 7 THE LOG Spring 25 pp06-07 News.indd 7 17/03/2025 14:08