DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Flight Safety Foundation’s 69th annual International Air Safety Summit (IASS) gets under way here Monday with an opening keynote address by Capt. Henry Donohoe, divisional senior vice president of flight operations at Emirates. Donohoe, who serves on the Foundation’s Board of Governors, will discuss the pros and cons of automation in aviation and the importance of a “back to basics training approach.”
Automation is one of several aspects of technology that will be explored during the industry’s pre-eminent annual safety event. A number of presentations will look at new technology in avionics and the role it will play in enhancing safety in the air and on the ground. Included will be a presentation on next-generation flight safety systems.
Unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) also will be the topic of much discussion. “The growth in the development, use and technological sophistication of UAS is almost unprecedented,” said Greg Marshall, the Foundation’s vice president, global programs. “While this new entrant into the aviation industry brings with it the promise of enhancing safety through the use of alternative technology, it is not without its own issues, especially with respect to integration into non-segregated airspace,” he said.
Marshall, working with the Foundation’s International Advisory Committee, played a key role in developing the agenda for IASS this year.
IASS 2016 also will feature, for the first time, a parallel track dedicated to aviation maintenance and engineering (M&E) safety. The M&E track, which will be presented on Tuesday, will include sessions on fatigue risk management, maintenance line operations safety audits/assessments and engineering safety culture.
On-site registration will be available for both the full IASS program and for the one-day M&E track.
The host sponsor for IASS 2016 is Emirates, a benefactor member of the Foundation, as well as one of the world’s largest international carriers and most technically advanced operators. Emirates also is the official airline of the event. Other major sponsors include platinum level contributors Airbus, Boeing, Embraer and Rolls-Royce.
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About Flight Safety Foundation
Flight Safety Foundation is an independent, nonprofit, international organization engaged in research, education, advocacy and publishing to improve aviation safety. The Foundation’s mission is to be the leading voice of safety for the global aerospace community.
Media Contact:
Frank Jackman
jackman@flightsafety.org
