SEVERE RISK FROM TOXIC FUMES

IN AIRCRAFT

The threat posed to travellers and crew from air contamination in aircraft is “a disaster waiting to happen” said Lord Tyler today (Wednesday).

The issue of poisonous fumes in aircraft is not a new one but the Government’s response lacks any degree of urgency. “The Government may have fooled itself that all is well, but nobody else is reassured.”

Following reports from the Pilots’ Association (BALPA) of evidence of air contamination, a series of answers from Ministers to Lord Tyler have highlighted major discrepancies between the number of incidents being reported to the Civil Aviation Authority and the true scale of the problem. One aircraft in particular the BAe 146, which has been the subject of a series of contamination incidents, is still used by The Queen’s Flight. “Of seven incidents involving the BAe 146 aircraft the Minister replied the CAA ‘has no record of a contaminated air incident’ in FIVE cases. Why Not?” commented Lord Tyler

Speaking today during the Civil Aviation Bill, Lord Tyler challenged the Government to institute a radical overhaul of the way that these incidents are monitored and assessed. “BALPA figures show that only about half REPORTED incidents of this sort reach the CAA representing perhaps less than 5% of the total which actually occur – is the Government satisfied with this gross discrepancy.”

“Frankly, I do not trust aircraft or engine or lubricant manufacturers – let alone the airlines – to undertake the necessary monitoring, testing and remedial action required by this continuing problem. The potential poachers cannot fulfil the role of effective, independent gamekeepers.”