The European Cockpit Association (ECA) voiced “deep concern” that some military intercepts of commercial flights last week — amid Europe’s false bomb alerts — failed to properly account for aircraft operational and safety requirements, G4Media reported, citing EFE/Agerpres.

In a Tuesday statement, ECA demanded that “pilots’ decisions be respected,” arguing that in some cases military escorts themselves did not follow aircraft safety protocol when ordering emergency landings.

The Irish Air Line Pilots Association (IALPA) described an Aer Lingus case: the aircraft was ordered to divert to an airfield where the crew allegedly lacked the operational information “necessary” to land safely. A request for a more suitable alternate airport was refused, IALPA said.

Pilot associations say they are “alarmed” by later reports suggesting captains could face criminal proceedings for actions taken to protect passengers, crew and the aircraft.

ECA warned that prosecuting pilots who exercise professional judgement “could endanger” aviation safety and cooperation with authorities. Vice-president Paul Reuter said it is “essential” that decisions respect the aircraft commander’s authority: “Pilots should not be treated as a threat by the authorities.”

European commanders also thanked authorities for help against bomb threats, but insist military protocols must not override cockpit judgement.

Image: Aer Lingus Airbus A320 (Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0).

Sources consulted: European Cockpit Association warns over unsafe military intercepts — G4Media.