This is the question with which I usually begin my courses on the topic of emergency response plan, a plan that the International Civil Aviation Organization demands from airline operators in the countries that are it’s members. This plan is part of a comprehensive safety system (SMS).
The goal of Zero Accidents is a necessity. It is logical that nobody plans accidents, however, we must be aware that no airline is free of risks and hazards that are common every day. The question we must ask ourselves now is: are we ready to think outside the box?
It is considered that on average the direct and indirect costs that airlines have after an accident are +/- 480 million dollars, to these costs are added the human losses which are considered as invaluable or beyond price. But above all, customer loyalty and the airline’s future are compromised.
An emergency response plan details in writing the actions that should be taken after an accident and designates those responsible for each action. The purpose of such a plan is to ensure that there is an orderly and efficient transition from normal operations to emergency operations. For this reason it is so important to carry out periodic drills, in which, in coordination with the aeronautical authorities, the roles that each entity fulfills can be reviewed.
It is a prerequisite to think and act safely in aviation, but when a significant disruption occurs in the operation, we must be ready to respond to it.
Cristina Alarcon
SMS instructor
