Airline Pilots Out of Practice Because of The Pandemic
International borders remain largely closed due to the pandemic. Because of this, thousands of airplanes remain grounded. Concerns are now increasing over the effect the lack of flights are having on pilots. Dozens of pilots have admitted to making flight errors when they returned to the cockpit.
These pilots all admit to being a bit out of practice due to a lack of flying time.
Reported incidents include a pilot forgetting to remove the parking brake when pulling away from the gate, another pilot admitting to needing three tries to land an airplane in windy conditions, and a third pilot admitting to forgetting to de-ice his airplane before takeoff, which could disturb the airplane’s altitude and speed sensors.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) normally requires pilots who have not been flying for an extended period of time to complete a minimum number of takeoffs and landings, before being allowed to fly again. Normally, such pilots must have completed at least three takeoffs and three landings, either in an actual airplane or a simulator, within the 90 days prior to flying.
But, since last year, these once very strict regulations can be waived under certain circumstances. According to the FAA, this loosening of the rules is largely in response to the COVID-19 pandemic and several requests by aviation industry groups. However, airplanes are very sophisticated vehicles and pilots need to be retested frequently in order to minimize the number of aviation accidents caused by human error.
Have You or A Loved One Been Injured or Killed in An Aviation Accident in California?
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected all aspects of life around the world, and many sacrifices have had to be made. But most would agree that air safety is one area where certain sacrifices should not be made. Especially, since aviation accidents are probably the most unforgiving and deadly of all transportation accidents.
When aviation accidents occur, the victims and their families often need the help of a qualified attorney. If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in an aviation accident in California, call our law firm today to discuss your options with an experienced California aviation accident lawyer.
Common Causes of Aviation Accidents
There are many factors that can lead to an aviation accident. But regardless of the reason, the results are often deadly. The most common causes of aviation accidents are as follows:
- Pilot error
- Bad weather
- Engine failure
- Instrument failure
- Defective onboard computers and software
- Poorly maintained equipment
- Turbulence
- Air traffic controller error
- Dispatcher error
If you or a family member have been injured or killed in an aviation accident, it is imperative that you contact an attorney as soon as possible. This is because many airlines purposefully destroy evidence after three months and do not preserve information that may help prove your case. In addition, as more time lapses other passengers’ memories fade and they may not be able to remember exactly what happened on your flight. Finally, because you will likely be contacted by a representative of the airline or its insurance company.
This representative will be a highly skilled individual who is trained to obtain sensitive information from aviation accident victims, while they are most vulnerable. The information they obtain can and will be used to help the airline or their insurance company minimize the compensation they must pay to the victims.
With this in mind, it is very important not to sign any documents from the airline or its insurance provider without first consulting with an attorney. Call our law office today at (562) 901-4664 or visit our contact page to schedule a free consultation with an experienced and reputable California aviation accident attorney.
Christopher Montes de Oca is an experienced personal injury lawyer in Los Angeles. Chris is recognized as a “Super Lawyer Rising Star,” a recognition that only 2.5 percent of lawyers receive, because of the exceptional results he has seen and his dedication to his clients. Chris services clients throughout Los Angeles, including Echo Park, Maywood, Long Beach, Whittier, Glendale, La Mirada, Pico Rivera, Hacienda Heights, and Alhambra. Call him today for a free consultation at (562) 901-4664.