“THE SAFETY TOWER BEGINS TO WOBBLE”

WHY SO MANY RECENT  DEADLY AIR disasters?

In recent months, a troubling series of serious aviation accidents has left the travelling public bewildered and concerned.

With a disquieting shift in the aviation safety record, the question needs to be asked: why are we witnessing this decline in an industry once celebrated for its commitment to safety? Many conclude, however, that the clues have been visible for some time.

For years, airline PR departments, aircraft manufacturers, and regulators—including the FAA in the US, EASA in Europe, and the CAA in the UK—have been keen to assure the public that flying is the safest mode of transport available. While this claim has largely held true over the years, it is crucial to recognise that this exemplary safety record has often relied on the troubling concept known as “tombstone safety.”

This term refers to the practice of addressing safety measures only after a tragedy occurs rather than proactively preventing such incidents.

However, the solid blocks derived from the tombstone safety model became the foundations of the structural tower that is flight safety. While each block remains, the tower is sturdy. However, as each block is removed, the integrity of the structure becomes increasingly compromised, albeit imperceptibly at first. 

Previously, aviation stood as a beacon of excellence, inspiring other industries, particularly in healthcare, to innovate and prioritise safety. However, the recent tragic incidents severely question if today’s aviation industry should still be seen as the gold standard in safety

So..what’s gone wrong?

SAFETY COSTS

The aviation industry has undergone a significant transformation towards a ‘low-cost model’. This shift raises an important question: How can airlines offer astonishingly low fares, such as £25, to far-flung destinations when the same ticket was priced at £300 two decades ago? Something had to give to make this possible.

Hiring experienced pilots—well that’s expensive. However, what if airlines adopted a policy in which first officers paid the airline for the opportunity to accrue flight hours….i.e Cash Cadets?

Instead of viewing legal limits on a pilot’s Flight Duty Period (FDP) as a constraint, why not see them as a target to aim for? If those limits are occasionally exceeded, the issue could always be attributed to ‘operational issues on the day’…i.e falsify FDP’s

What if an environment developed where pilots are discouraged from reporting fatigue related to extended working hours? Fostering a culture that discourages such claims would prioritise operational efficiency.. even though it will reduce the safety margin by having fatigued pilots flying the line… i.e. the airline now has a compliant workforce.

It is not as if the passengers will be aware of what’s going on behind the curtain that separates the cabin from the cockpit….and…hell…what do they expect for £25!

JENGA SAFETY BLOCKS BEING REMOVED

While the cost-cutting strategies employed by airlines may temporarily boost profitability—allowing for bonuses for directors and returns for investors—it is a grave mistake to assume that these measures enhance flight safety.

The essential safety protocols that once formed the backbone of flight safety have been systematically dismantled by a number of senior airline management.

For too long, this Jenga tower of safety has become more unstable as each safety block has been systematically removed. For years, the industry has relied on a false sense of security. but given the increased number of recent tragedies and near misses, it appears that luck has finally worn out. Some might say the tower is now on the verge of collapse.

REGULATORS FAILING TO REGULATE?

The evidence presented unequivocally highlights that the FAA in the USA, the CAA in the UK, and EASA in Europe bear a vital responsibility to rigorously enforce regulations that protect airline passengers and crew. Unfortunately, a multitude of documented regulatory failures reveals a concerning reality that undermines this accountability.

It’s increasingly clear that today’s aviation regulators often resemble PR entities more than diligent protectors of  aviation safety. Too many observers have noted that these organizations, rather than serving the best interests of airline passengers, seem to prioritise the commercial interests of the airlines they are meant to oversee.

For instance, the content shared by EASA and CAA on LinkedIn appears to be little more than superficial window dressing aimed at cultivating a false sense of safety rather than effecting any real change. This trend needs to be addressed to ensure that the rights and safety of passengers are genuinely upheld.

Indeed the more cynical might even conclude that airline safety has become nothing more than a money-making PR racket. It is, in effect safety washing within an echo room of likeminded organisations and individuals eager to pat each other on their collective backs rather than challenging the known issues such as the endemic pilot fatigue issue and FDP abuse.

Some may doubt that conclusion. If that is the case, ask yourself, ultimately, who directly benefits from these safety ‘proposals’ liberally posted on social media? You would, therefore expect the vast majority of comments and likes for such postings to emanate from the pilot community. However, what you will discover is that the vast majority of replies and likes are in fact from individuals who do not operate flying roles. Indeed, the majority are from other office-based individuals. 

This raises the question. Irrespective of the spin placed on flight safety by the airlines and regulators, whats the real perception of the current situation of those at the coal face?

“Tercio De Banderillas” Lands March 31st, 2025!

Are you ready to question everything you thought you knew about the aviation establishments’ view on safety?

March 31st, 2025, marks the highly anticipated release of “Tercio De Banderillas,” the explosive second instalment in the “Pulling Wings From Butterflies” trilogy. This isn’t just another thriller; it’s the continuing gut-wrenching true story that dares to peel back the polished veneer of the aviation industry.

Pre-order your copy today and prepare to have your beliefs challenged. This is more than a book; it’s a wake-up call.

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Join the conversation: #TercioDeBanderillas #UnmaskingAviationTruth

Don’t just fly. Understand.