PALPA says PIA violating safety rules

PALPA spokesman said that just before the crash PALPA had pointed out the violation of air safety regulations by PIA.

Pakistan Air Line Pilots’ Association (PALPA) spokesman said that just before the crash, PALPA had pointed out the violation of air safety regulations by the Flight Operations Directorate of PIA as the management was compelling pilots to fly longer than internationally laid down rules thus putting passengers’ safety at peril.

The Civil Aviation Authority must take notice of these violations before it is too late.

He said that continuous violations of air safety rules will not only affect the sanctity of the aviation industry in Pakistan but will ruin the safety record of the national flag carrier as well.

“The horrific plane crash signifies the importance of flight safety laws and passengers safety measures, he said.

PALPA since its inception has been stressing on international flight safety standards.

“PALPA recently organised an international safety seminar providing a platform to the aviation professionals to discover new ideas for improving air safety and raised public awareness for their contribution to the cause besides identifying existing critical issues in the aviation industry which affect aviation safety,” the spokesman added.

Published in The Express Tribune, July 29^th, 2010.