Within the broad remit of BALPA’s Flight Safety Committee, the Accident Analysis and Prevention (AAP) group plays a pivotal role. Tasked with reviewing aircraft accident investigation reports to identify lessons learned and conducting research into potentially new safety issues, the group works to enhance flight safety and uphold the highest professional standards. Its work is instrumental in protecting pilots and shaping the future of aviation safety policy.

Comprising 16 members, the AAP brings together a wealth of operational and investigative expertise. The group uses its expertise to provide critical support to pilots involved in serious incidents and accidents, but also engages at the highest levels to influence safety regulation and policy development. It has nurtured effective working relationships with investigation bodies, which is vital for ensuring pilots are best able to represent themselves during the investigative process.

Over the past year, the AAP has responded to five incidents, mostly via the BALPA emergency helpline. Each call represents a moment when a pilot is most in need. This confidential service is a direct line to experts who help and support members through complex and highly pressurised situations.

The AAP’s support extends well beyond an initial emergency. The team has coordinated the repatriation of crew after an incident abroad, navigating challenging interactions with local authorities. Members of the AAP have advised several pilots on best practice following an accident while still on the flight deck. AAP members have also supported and accompanied members to formal interviews during state-level accident/incident investigations. The group has challenged official reports that fail to adequately represent the pilot’s perspective, ensuring that members’ voices are heard and their professional reputations are protected.

Beyond individual casework, the AAP plays a strategic role in defending and advancing pilot safety. The group monitors emerging legislative and regulatory developments, ensuring that pilot perspectives are represented at every stage of decision-making. It has provided expert support to the reduced crew operations challenge, forming BALPA’s #SafetyStartswith2 campaign, countering the single-pilot operations push by airline companies. It also advocates for strict limitations on the use of cockpit voice recordings and has resisted the introduction of cockpit cameras to ensure flight data remains secure from unauthorised transmission via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or satellite connectivity. In addition, the AAP has campaigned for revised stand guidance procedures to reduce ground-handling incidents.

With more than half a million people flying in UK airspace each day, the work of the Accident Analysis and Prevention group is a cornerstone of BALPA’s mission: to protect pilots and ensure that the UK remains one of the safest aviation environments in the world.

If you would like to get involved in the work of the AAP, email aap@balpa.org