[FREE TO READ] "Fume events" are underreported, with a spokesperson for the Australian Federation of Air Pilots (AFAP) explaining that dangerous and potentially deadly #fumes on aircraft, especially older planes, are a much bigger problem than anyone realises. “The AFAP would like to see the Civil Aviation Safety Authority take this issue more seriously, including insisting that high-grade air filters be made mandatory for all commercial airliners flying in Australia, and that bleed air systems are redesigned in future aircraft. We should also see appropriate and accurate testing of fumes in aircraft cabins.” Fume events are the result of the long-term design flaw that sees bleed air mixed into cabin air across most aircraft makers, including Boeing and Airbus ... After a fume event on a Qantas National Jet Systems #B717 last year, the Australian Transport Safety Bureau found that airborne contaminants “may result in the rapid onset of incapacitation, which although possibly subtle, can significantly affect the safety of flight”. “Contaminants from bleed air may be being inhaled unknowingly. It’s in the interest of aircrews and passengers that operators take this issue seriously and look for ways of mitigation — but that means spending money.” “The union is calling for aircraft to be refitted with total air filtration and stop using #bleedair that is run over engines.” Global Cabin Air Quality Executive (www.gcaqe.org)- Susan Michaelis PhD, MSc, ATPL, IOSH, IIRSM - IFALPA - Flight Attendants' Association of Australia (FAAA) - IFALPA #pilots #cabincrew #airlinecrew #cabinairfilter #aerotoxicsyndrome #airlines #fumes #cabinairquality
“Fume events” — when abnormal air arises in the cabin from various internal or external sources — are rather euphemistically known as cabin air quality events. Unions and pilots who spoke to Crikey said they are underreported.
