I know that this is a difficult and emotive topic, one with which we would like to bury our heads in the sand. However, it is important that we keep this topic going and that we raise awareness levels.
Historically and statistically, there have not been many incidents of this nature. But when they do happen they are often, if not always catastrophic. This means that while infrequent in events the risk is still high to both the collateral and to human life.
As time goes by this risk is increasing, we fly more and more dangerous goods, new experimental materials and technologies. Those goods are transported further and more frequently, because of the world economic demand to have things produced and manufactured in the cheapest places. Time is becoming a greater factor, pushing more products toward air transport rather than sea transport. The transports that we use are growing in size and flying more direct routes, often a long way from their nearest diversion field (i.e. polar routes).
All these factors and many more that I am sure I have missed are increasing the risk of fire onboard transport category aircraft!
I need all of you to point this out to all those that you feel should listen, even if they may not listen.
If another accident occurs tomorrow the world’s ‘perceived risk’ will change. I would like for us to affect this ‘perceived risk’ before another accident has to happen.
I implore you all once again, to please spend two minutes of your time to email the FAA, EASA, JAA, your local Department for Transport, your local MP, Mayor or Governor, anybody you feel necessary with just a few of your thoughts on this topic.
I appreciate the complexities of coming up with a solution, but when it becomes a requirement you will be amazed at the speed and innovative endeavours that will result. It is simply a matter of motivation. There are research programs in place for many issues that when combined, could well create the solution we would like to see (An alternative to Halon for example). Determination and motivation cause change.
In 1961, one man reached the decision to get his nation and human kind to the moon;
“We shall send to the moon, 240,000 miles away, a giant rocket, more than three hundred feet tall, made of new metal alloys, some of which have not yet been invented...” (J.F.K)
The rest is history.
Class E to Class C ASAP!!!