Improvement of Guyana’s aviation and general public transportation standards needed

A recent accident report of a Spanish airline Manx2 Flight 7100 (NM7100/FLT400C) accident in Cork Ireland, is a great example of why vigilant oversight of the aviation industry is necessary and independent investigation of aircraft incidents/accidents is an absolute necessity, along with timely reports for implementation of remedial action.

The final accident report on the Manx2 flight by the Air Accident Investigation Unit of Ireland found among other things that inadequate oversight by the Spanish aviation regulator led to a series of events, coupled with the inappropriate pairing of the two man crew with a flight captain being inadequately trained in the command role and the co-pilot with incomplete training.

The investigation and subsequent report was conducted by an independent body, an important fact to be acknowledged since it means there is no conflict of interest and findings are untainted by even the appearance of protecting self-interests.

It is essential that the government of Guyana take dramatic steps to ensure the safety of the public especially the flying public by:

1. Creating an independent accident investigating group e.g. GTSB (Guyana Transportation Safety Board). Examples of this type of body abound and are proven effective.
2. Mandating drug and alcohol testing protocols for everyone in the public transportation industry.
3. Make public all accident investigation findings in the transportation industry. Accountability and transparency is necessary to improve and maintain standards needed for safety.
4. Utilize the accident reports to identify and incorporate remedial actions into the industry that would create a higher level of safety for the public.

It would also be beneficial to all if the Government Technical Institute and the University of Guyana engaged in a training program in the science of aviation, to enable the industry to tap into the local talent pool. This must be a long term goal effected through immediate planning.

The safety of its citizens must be of the highest priority for the Government of Guyana. With a burgeoning aviation industry in play, putting in place a structure rooted in safety first is paramount.