Focus on Emergency Landing Procedure

Take note Airbus, Centre for Asia Pacific Aviation, and chairman of state-run carrier Indian Airlines: the Delhi High Court issued notices on public interest litigation (PIL) seeking to abandon a procedure to be followed in the event of an emergency landing by an Airbus A320.

There is a four-week window for replies to the notice, reported the Indian Economic Times.

The petition was filed by an Indian Airline pilot alleging the procedure published by Airbus and followed by A320 pilots during emergency landings immediately after take-off, is unsafe and should be changed.

"Even today the A320 bogie type aircraft flies in contravention to rules and regulation that is highly detrimental to flight safety," the petitioner contended. "This matter is of concern as it could jeopardize the safety of the traveling public, crew, and all occupants of the aircraft."

The petitioner -- an A320 pilot -- also noted that repeated applications to government authorities, as well as Airbus were ignored.

According to the petition, there was a "willful attempt" to stymie the issue and to steadfastly continue with the incorrect procedure. "The issue is not being given its due attention..." said the pilot.

The petition also made reference to the anxiety pilots experienced because of the erroneous and unwarranted procedure.

FMI: www.centreforaviation.com, www.airbus.com, http://indian-airlines.nic.in/index.asp