Southwest Airline Pilots Association opposes use of CVR

The Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association (SWAPA) have today released a statement opposing the proposal by the NTSB to use cockpit voice data to 'enact discipline on pilots.'  It was reported in yesterday's USA Today that the NTSB, who have no regulatory authority, were making a recommendation to the FAA that recordings should be used to routinely monitor crews conversations.  This, they claim, is essentiatl to improve safety by ensuring pilots are focused on their job.

SWAPA are urging Senators to fight against these recomendations as they seek to punish pilots.  A major concern for the association is that this form of monitoring will discourage pilots from using the confidential reporting systems already in place.

Everyone involved in aviation wants to do all they can to maintain and improve the safety of operations.  To that effect, the idea behind the NTSB's proposal is not thought to be a bad one.  However, the desire shown by some to use the technology to discipline crews is viewed by members of the pilot community as very worrying.

Source: The Southwest Airlines Pilots' Association