MONTREAL – The International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) is pleased to announce a significant development in aviation safety, the official signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between ALPA-Korea (ALPA-K) and the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MOLIT) of the Republic of Korea. This momentous agreement sees four IFALPA-accredited Accident Investigators from ALPA-K appointed as Official Advisors to MOLIT, further enhancing the country’s aviation safety efforts.
The MoU was signed at a ceremony in Seoul on November 20, 2024, with the participation of Ms. Kim, the Director-General of MOLIT, and Captain Lee ChoongSub, President of ALPA-K and IFALPA Regional Vice-President for North Pacific (NOP). This agreement marks a major milestone in the collaboration between the government and the pilot community to improve flight safety in Korea, and worldwide.
The four pilots appointed as official advisers are highly skilled professionals who have earned IFALPA’s prestigious Accident Investigator Accreditation. Their qualifications include the completion of an internationally recognized accident investigation course, as well as extensive peer-reviewed assessments of their abilities and field experience. This rigorous process ensures the expertise needed to effectively contribute to aviation accident investigations and safety matters.
IFALPA’S COMMITMENT TO SAFETY
The Federation has always championed the role of active commercial pilots in aviation safety investigations. With their unique insight into flight operations, human factors, and pilot culture, IFALPA-accredited pilots are an invaluable asset to accident investigation boards. These professionals bring a wealth of knowledge to all stages of investigation, particularly in understanding contributing factors and drafting safety recommendations.
Through its accreditation program, IFALPA has been at the forefront of developing a framework that supports State investigations with expert pilot input. By incorporating pilots who are not only highly experienced in-flight operations but also formally trained in investigation methodologies, IFALPA strengthens the safety oversight provided by investigative bodies worldwide.
A SIGNIFICANT ACHIEVEMENT
The appointment of these four pilots as official advisers to MOLIT represents the culmination of over five years of dedication and collaboration between ALPA-K and MOLIT, supported by IFALPA’s Accident Analysis and Prevention Committee. This historic achievement is only the 7th such MoU signed within the entire IFALPA membership, highlighting the importance of this agreement to the Federation.
“We are extremely pleased for ALPA-K for achieving this significant milestone, and we commend MOLIT for recognizing the critical role that qualified pilots can play in accident investigations,” said Captain Amornvaj Mansumitchai, IFALPA President. “This partnership will further strengthen aviation safety culture and foster even closer collaboration between pilots and authorities.”
IFALPA believes this MoU is a crucial step forward in aviation safety, reinforcing the essential role of pilots in accident investigation and safety improvement. The Federation is confident that the involvement of these IFALPA-accredited pilots will contribute to the continued enhancement of flight safety in the Republic of Korea and beyond.
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