Hi Academia,
Air travel is considered one of the safest modes of transportation, but unfortunately, there are many crisis situations occur that could be endangering Crew and everyone in the scene. Some situation being considered as crisis in aviation are these following:
- Hazardous Weather
- Blizzard or Ice Storm
- Terrorism / Hijacking
- Civil Insurrection
- Pre-Accident Plan
And therefore Airlines have excessive training program to mitigate the crisis situation.
We felt so sorry seeing a pilot of Susi Air presently being kept in hostage by Terrorist in Papua. Praying the safe of pilot and rescuers whom currently extending utmost endeavors to release the pilot.
Power Action Transportation and Business info would share how the crisis plan taken should there be any terrorist attacks or hijacking apart from other Crisis situation above.
Being a pilot, one of the most critical responsibilities is ensuring the safety and security of passengers on board. However, pilots also face other security threats, such as being hijacked on the ground. Ground hijacking is a serious threat that all pilots should be aware of and take steps to prevent. During ground hijackings, criminals may attempt to take control of the aircraft and force pilots to operate under their demands. To prevent ground hijackings, pilots should always be alert and aware of their surroundings while on the ground. Pilots should also ensure that all doors and hatches are securely locked when leaving the plane, use caution when approached by unauthorized individuals, and report how incidents of hijacking still occur. In such situations, it is crucial for pilots to have the necessary skills and training to handle a hijacking with efficiency and composure.
Airlines are responsible for the transportation of high public officials who, by nature of their responsibilities, must sometimes make unpopular decisions. Therefore, Crews must be ever mindful of potential threats. During periods of civil unrest or when operating in areas known to be hostile, flight crews shall be additionally vigilant for signs of attack. At no time shall crews leave their aircraft open and unattended (out of their direct control). If there is a choice of facilities, the most secure shall be chosen. When an aircraft has been left unattended, the preflight inspection shall be conducted with the thought of sabotage in mind.
No person is permitted to enter the aircraft unless that person can be positively identified and has business there. If the aircraft is taken hostage (hijacked), the situation must be analyzed on its own merits. The preservation of life is paramount
If Terrorist/ Hijacks on the ground:
- Stall for time. Do not take off unless absolutely necessary.
- Notify ATC by radio transmission (openly if possible, cryptic if not), squawk the appropriate transponder code, taxiing with the flaps full down, flashing of landing lights or any other means available.
If airborne:
- Land if possible.
- Do not attempt to exceed the limits of the aircraft or crew. We do not know the final outcome of an incident when dealing with a terrorist, but we do know the outcome if we run out of fuel, for example.
The pilot being hijacked is a scenario that requires exceptional skills in judgement and decision-making. It is important for pilots to undergo rigorous training and preparation in case of a hijacking, including learning how to communicate effectively with air traffic control, follow established protocols, and make split-second decisions to ensure the safety of all onboard.
Again there are excessive guidelines and training for crew members to deal with Crisis situations
Be always Safe
Salam Sehat Semangat Sukses
Bambang Purnomo , SS-BA, CSCA, CAVM Solution Consultant
By Bams – April 05, 2023
