Hi all
This was carried in the Singapore Straits Times on 25 July ( see below )
The question that comes to mind is this: If ATC had not verified initially that the aircraft had hit the tail stands, are then the actions of the pilots not unreasonable?
Cheers
QUOTE:
SQ29 captain carried out all necessary safety checks
I REFER to the letters, 'SIA should learn from past error' (ST, July 22) and 'SQ29 flier seeks explanation' (ST, July 24).
The incident in Taipei involving Flight SQ29 on July 19 is currently the subject of an investigation, and the pilots concerned have been suspended pending its outcome.
We wish to assure our customers that we are treating the incident seriously.
As reported in the media, it was not until the aircraft was airborne that the captain was made aware that the tailstands may have been knocked over by the aircraft while taxiing.
He received this information from air-traffic control which, in turn, had received it from one of the ground-staff crew members. It could not be verified at that stage whether the aircraft had, in fact, made contact with the tailstands.
The captain conducted the necessary checks on board and found the aircraft to be performing normally. He therefore decided to proceed to Singapore as scheduled. As there was no abnormality in the performance of the aircraft, no announcement was made inflight.
On arrival in Singapore, the aircraft was inspected immediately and some minor damage to a wing panel was detected by ground engineers. The damage did not pose any safety hazard.
We understand and appreciate the concerns of the writers and wish to assure them and the public that Singapore Airlines will not compromise on safety at any time.
RICK CLEMENTS
Vice-President, Public Affairs
Singapore Airlines Limited Unquote