The pandemic has had a devastating effect on all of us worldwide but it has also provided opportunities that may change the world for the better. Like many others, I had to change my business model to work around the pandemic. Back in 2010 I was an FAA inspector conducting technical assistance for civil aviation authorities.  At the time, two director generals and I agreed that we could reduce expenses and increase productivity by using communication software, thereby eliminating extensive travel and reducing associated expenses. Drawn by the allure and “glamour” of globetrotting, many team members frowned at the concept and argued that travel was essential.  Our idea was not very popular, to say the least. Great idea…bad timing. Ten years later, however, everyone wants to provide technical assistance but no one wants to travel. My, my how things change! So, during lock down, I decided to expand on the concept conceived way back when.   With new software communication tools available, I developed virtual consulting services for civil aviation authorities facing possible audits by ICAO[1], FAA[2], EASA[3] and other ICAO member states. This time, a great idea was gaining traction because it coincided with the right timing.

Some authorities may have identified the pandemic as an opportunity to relax; it was assumed that no organization would send out audit teams during these unprecedented times.  However, no civil aviation authority should ever take a hiatus from aviation safety. Knowing the pandemic is having a devastating effect on airlines, civil aviation authorities, and aviation in general, all civil aviation authorities should recognize the need for vigilance and a nimble response. Such management instincts are right on target. It didn’t take long for disaster to strike and prove these instincts were correct.  On May 22, 2020, Pakistan International Airlines (PIA) Flight 8303, an A-320, crashed in Karachi, Pakistan killing 98 people and injuring 7 on the ground. The release of preliminary evidence suggests multiple flight crew errors occurred, including an attempted landing with the landing gear retracted. This resulted in damage to both engines. The crew attempted to go-around but damage to the engines appear to have caused both to quit in flight. Sadly, the aircraft crashed into a populated area well short of the runway.  Not long after the accident, the Aviation Minister of Pakistan publicly announced that approximately 30 percent of his nation’s 860 active pilots had “fake” licenses. It should be noted the timing between the accident and the “fake” license issue is not coincidental. While such allegations from a garden variety whistle-blower would certainly cause concern, it is far more damaging when an Aviation Minister publicly makes such an allegation. In this case, there was no choice but to take on the responsibility of reporting this disturbing situation and consequently dealing with the problem. Inasmuch as he did the right thing, the Minister’s public disclosure of the allegations have been devastating to both PIA and the nation of Pakistan.

As a result of the “fake” pilot license issue, effective July 1, 2020, EASA suspended PIA flights to European Union member states for 6 months. The United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority also banned PIA flights into Great Britain. On July 15, 2020, the FAA announced that Pakistan would be downgraded to category 2 under the IASA[4] Program as a result of not meeting international standards. The category 2 rating restricts flights to the U.S. by Pakistani airlines to current service levels and prohibits new entrant Pakistani air carriers from flying to the U.S. Furthermore, Pakistani airlines cannot code share with U.S. airlines. There is little doubt that ICAO will weigh in at some point in the near future with equally adverse consequences. This has been devastating to PIA, already burdened by enormous debt, and the country of Pakistan as a whole.

All these actions were accomplished remotely with no traveling or official visits. In order to reverse such decisions, a country might consider accessing the help of technical consultants.  However, such consulting services are not available through traditional means right now.  Even if assistance were sought through traditional channels, what would it cost given the pandemic and the complications associated with international travel? Who can help a nation in IASA category 2 or reverse a travel ban if they want assistance and technical consultants are willing to step in? Now, only virtual consultants can help by providing expert advice and guidance without the burden of expensive travel.  What a bonus – affordability!

Civil aviation authorities are in a unique position to accomplish tasks and meet their international obligations like no other time in aviation history. With the current downturn in the aviation industry, authorities that were once overwhelmed, understaffed or both before the pandemic may actually be overstaffed and/or underwhelmed right now. The pandemic provides authorities with an opportunity to address issues they could not address before. They can access virtual consultants who can assist them remotely. Staff can now accomplish long overdue projects required to meet the organization’s international obligations. Now is not the time to sit back and relax. Now is the time to start working on those projects in order to avoid potential audit findings AND future accidents.

Pakistan experienced a painful lesson:  the pursuit of global aviation safety does not take a hiatus during a pandemic. That unfortunate scenario should serve as a grim reminder to other authorities. Address safety issues before they become problems. It’s time for authorities to be proactive, not reactive! We will return to normal in the future but it may take longer than we hope. As the aviation expansion process begins, there will be challenges.  Oversight authorities must be vigilant. We can avoid future accidents if all authorities are nimble in their oversight activities during the resurgent growth process. Now is the time to take a pandemic opportunity to pursue aviation safety despite the inability to travel. Virtual work is here to stay.

[1] ICAO is the International Civil Aviation Organization.

[2] The FAA is the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States.

[3] EASA is the European Union Aviation Safety Agency.

[4] IASA is the International Aviation Safety Assessment Program of the FAA, category 1 indicates a state meets international standards, category 2 indicates a state does not meet international standards.

Stay Safe,

Jacques