Originally Posted by suitcaseman
To the guys using this accident to punt ALPA - shame on you.
It's time you get off your high horse and face a couple of facts, suitcaseman. I'm not sure why you have a problem with ALPA-SA, but consider the following:
1. Despite the fact that Alistair is not an ALPA member, the ALPA Exco has already contacted his family and assured them that a close eye will be kept on proceedings and that they should feel free to contact them at any stage should they require assistance.
2. ALPA has been formally invited by CAA to participate in the accident investigation. The ALPA accident analysis expert has already been dispatched and will be a full participant in proceedings. This gentleman will ensure, amongst other things, that the CVR and FDR data may only be used for investigative purposes and not for punitive conclusions against the crew.
3. A support team was assembled by ALPA shortly after the accident and dispatched to Durban to ensure that all the needs of the crew are met (including the injured flight attendant).
4. An ALPA CIRP specialist will arrive in DUR on Monday to provide trauma counselling to the family and friends of the crew involved in this tragedy.
5. As soon as their condition improves, ALPA will be assisting the crew with their written statements. This is invaluable since many pilots have in the past inadvertently shot themselves in the feet when providing written statements to the investigating authority.
So far from simply “punting ALPA”, as you have so eloquently put it suitcaseman, those who’ve mentioned ALPA are right on the mark. This is classic example why any and all pilots should be members of an organisation like ALPA and not simply any old trade union. Their support and industry influence ranges much, much further than simply negotiating salary increases. Alistair and Sonja will need a lot of support in months to come, and I can assure you they have the best possible team behind them to provide the assistance they require.