The important thing query is whether or not the pilots underestimated the scenario. In response to Austro Management, the storm was recognized. “We ask in your understanding that we’ll not touch upon ongoing investigations and can await the outcomes of the investigation,” AUA stated in response to an APA question. The corporate harassed on Saturday that along with an inside investigation that has already been initiated, the Federal Security Investigation Board (SUB) may also provoke an exterior investigation, which should be awaited. The pilots have now been launched from flight obligation for seven days – as is common in such circumstances, based on AUA.
Learn additionally: AUA flight received caught in a storm: “Everybody was screaming”
Coaching or schooling deliberate
After evaluating the flight information and preliminary findings, a coordinated coaching or course might be scheduled for the affected Airbus A320 crew if essential. After finishing this, the crew might be introduced once more into flight service – additionally with the help of flight instructors.
In response to AUA, the cockpit crew didn’t see the storm cell on the climate radar. Nonetheless, the flight meteorology division of the Austrian aviation authority Austro Management identified the “hazard of storms with hail within the area” for the interval of the requested flight. The “climate forecasts and event-related climate warnings for en-route site visitors that adjust to worldwide requirements” had been additionally revealed. This aviation-specific climate info is utilized in specific earlier than the flight to organize and plan the meant route, which is submitted and specified by the airline within the respective flight plan. This climate information can also be supplied to the airways and pilots across the clock and is repeatedly up to date.
Extra on the subject: AUA flew via hailstorm: investigation initiated
Nonetheless, Austro Management harassed that air site visitors management doesn’t challenge directions relating to weather-related flight route modifications throughout a flight. “The choice a few essential diversion can and will solely be made by the pilot in cost on the idea of the knowledge out there on board concerning the particular climate scenario instantly in entrance of the plane in query, specifically utilizing on-board climate radar.” Critics are due to this fact now asking why the pilots didn’t fly across the storm.
Was a pilot not within the cockpit?
The “Süddeutsche Zeitung” additionally reported that one of many pilots was apparently not within the cockpit in the course of the descent as a result of he had gone to the bathroom. Whatever the climate, there’s way more to do throughout this section of the flight than at cruising altitude, so each ought to usually be of their seats throughout this section, wrote the “SZ”. The AUA additionally referred to the continuing investigations, however the airline emphasised that the cockpit crew on this flight was “very skilled of their position when it comes to whole flight hours and flight hours on the A320 plane kind.” The Austrian aviation journal “Austrian Wings” had reported that one pilot had “solely 100 hours of flight expertise” on the plane kind in query. The AUA commented: “Media studies that an individual ought to solely have 100 hours of flight expertise are incorrect.”
The Airbus A320 on its approach from Palma de Mallorca to Vienna received caught in a thunderstorm final Sunday night. The emergency name “Mayday” was initially despatched out. The airplane however landed safely at Vienna Airport and no passengers had been injured.
