Release #02.052
June 18, 2002

WASHINGTON, D.C.---The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), believes the new Transport Canada Aircraft Emergency Intervention Services Regulation falls somewhat short in providing the level of safety necessary in Canada.

"The new regulation is a step forward to improve the emergency response coverage throughout most of Canada," said Capt. Duane Woerth, president of ALPA. "However, the regulation does not meet the accepted international standard and does not provide for one level of safety at all Canadian airports handling airline passenger traffic."

"ALPA has encouraged the Canadian government to make Canada’s airports safer. When the public travels on commercial airlines in Canada, they have a right to a standard level of safety, regardless of where they fly," said Woerth.

"Some 80 percent of aircraft accidents happen on or near airports. And when they happen on airports, they usually occur at lower speeds and are therefore usually more survivable than accidents that happen during enroute stages of flight," said Woerth. "However, to ensure survivability, help must come quickly, in the form of fire fighters or rescue personnel. For example, that is why the international standard for response was set at three minutes, as opposed to the requirement of five minutes in this regulation," he added.

"Transport Canada has continually stated safety is paramount," Woerth stated. "The ALPA will continue to strive towards one level of safety in Canada’s air transportation system by working with Transport Canada, the airlines, manufacturers and other interested parties."

The Air Line Pilots Association, International, a leading voice for aviation safety in Canada and the United States for more than 70 years, represents 66,000 pilots at 43 airlines in both countries. For more information on ALPA, visit our Web site at http://www.alpa.org.

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ALPA Contact: Capt. Bob Perkins, (613) 569-5668