Pilots who have lost training, undisciplined passengers or insect infestations in aircraft equipment are just some of the challenges that accompany the resumption of air traffic following its forced shutdown due to the covid pandemic. The largest European insurer, Allianz, warns about this, quoted by AFP and BTA.
Since the outbreak of the pandemic in March 2020, much of the world’s fleet has remained on the runways, and pilots have lost their routine, according to a study by the corporate insurance division AGCS.
Undoubtedly, challenges will arise when the sector resumes operations, said Axel von Frowein, who is in charge of aviation in Central and Eastern Europe at the insurance company.
Earlier this year, some pilots reported dozens of incidents during maneuvers to approach the runway, citing a lack of flight practice.
Airlines are realizing that their pilots have lost training due to time spent on the ground, so they are taking steps to reduce potential risks, including through special training programs, the study said.
Other signals have been received for problems with the security of speed and altitude measurements during the first flights after a long stay of the machines in the hangar.
The reason for this is the clogging of the Pitot tubes * with insects (the video below shows the function of these tubes). These devices record the speed in flight.
The risk of insect penetration is even greater if the non-flight directives have not been complied with, the insurer warns.
Another possible challenge is possible angry outbursts of passengers, especially in the United States.
By June, federal authorities had reported at least 3,000 passenger accidents, much more than usual, mainly due to passengers refusing to wear a protective mask.
These passengers can then complain that they have been discriminated against by the airline, even if they are not right, and this trend must be closely monitored by insurers.
By the way, the study states that last year there were relatively few claims for compensation directly related to the pandemic in aviation. In a small number of cases, passengers have lodged complaints about cancellations or flight interruptions.
* Pitot tubes are used to measure air velocity in wind tunnels and on board aircraft in flight; they are also used to measure fluid flow. Invention of the French scientist Henri Pitot (1695-1771).
–
