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The lengthy COVID-19 lockdown has impacted individuals and society as a whole in many unexpected ways. As we emerge from our homes and return to our daily lives, many people are having trouble with tasks that were once routine.
After the Victoria lockdown was lifted, we noted an increase in road accidents stemming from drivers essentially forgetting how to operate motor vehicles safely. Now, perhaps an even more alarming trend is emerging in the skies.
An internal memo at Qantas reveals that pilots for the airline are making more mistakes and taking longer to complete routine procedures. The Sydney Morning Herald reports that these errors are directly attributable to the decline in air travel, which has left many pilots grounded for more than a year.
What Errors Are Pilots Making?
The Qantas memo cited a rise in a number of different mistakes among pilots – most occurring when the aeroplane was on the ground.
These include:
- Switches in the cockpit being set to the wrong position
- Leaving the park brake on while commencing takeoff
- Misreading instruments (ex: mistaking the altimeter for the airspeed indicator)
- Errors in exterior inspection
- Loss of situational awareness
- Unstabilised approaches
These and other errors are not limited to pilots. For example, a flight out of Sydney in June 2021 was unable to retract its landing gear because two downlock pins were left in the mechanism by the ground crew.
Overall, the incidence of mistakes in the airline industry is caused by a loss of recency. Recency refers to recent flight experience. When pilots haven’t flown for a long time, they are more likely to forget important aspects of operating a plane.
What Does the Increase in Pilot Errors Mean for Passengers?
Out-of-practise pilots aren’t the only ones committing errors. The prevalence of failures is likely to include all of those involved in flights, from mechanics to flight attendants.
Fortunately, the rash of mistakes has not resulted in a plane crash. However, even seemingly minor errors can result in in-flight injuries.
You might be able to lodge a claim against the airline if you suffer injury as a result of the following:
- Baggage falling out of overhead bins
- Falls caused by objects in the aisle or as a result of turbulence
- Being thrown from your seat due to turbulence
- Runaway food and beverage carts
It is crucial to consult a knowledgeable lawyer as soon as possible if you were hurt while flying. Airline injury compensation claims may be governed by Australia’s Civil Aviation (Carriers’ Liability) Act or one of several international conventions, and it is important to follow the correct legal procedures for lodging a claim.
Contact an Airline Injury Lawyer Today
Henry Carus + Associates are well-versed in the complexities of airline injury compensation claims. We are committed to protecting the rights of passengers and pursuing full recovery for their losses.
If you were injured while boarding or travelling on an aeroplane, You Deserve More. Our team will fully assess your current and future damages and make a strong claim on your behalf.
Please call Henry Carus + Associates at 03 9001 1318 today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our airline injury lawyers serve clients in Melbourne and throughout VIC.
