Jet Airways pilots warned over ATC communications protocol
Monday, 24 Feb, 2017
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Jet Airways this week fired off an emailed warning to all cockpit crew over correct radio communications protocol after a mishap caused the scrambling of fighter jets over Europe.
Last week a Jet Airways plane travelling to London went silent for several minutes as it was on the wrong frequency, prompting the German Air Force to scramble fighter jets.
"Radio communication is a critical link in the pilot – ATC communication system. However, it can be broken with surprising speed and disastrous results," the airline said in a communication addressed to all pilots.
"It is the responsibility of the pilot in command to ensure that at least one crew member shall continuously maintain air-ground voice communication watch on the appropriate communication channel, and establish two-way communications as necessary with appropriate ATC unit."
It listed ‘mandatory compliance’ measures when switching frequencies between different countries’ airspace such as maintaining the previous frequency on standby until two-way communication is confirmed with the new air traffic control authorities.
"Undue delay in making the change could result in an untimely receipt of important information," it said.
The flight was reportedly out of contact for 15 minutes.
After the incident Jet Airways issued a statement: "Contact between a Jet Airways flight from Mumbai to London and the local ATC, was briefly lost while flying over German airspace. Communication was safely restored within a few minutes. As a precaution, the German Air Force deployed its aircraft to ensure the safety of the flight and its guests."
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Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
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