On a clear day, Santiago basks in one of the most spectacular settings of any city in the world. A mighty circle of mountains — the snowcapped Andean peaks to the east, and a smaller coastal range to the west frame the Chilean capital. This will be the backdrop for the 65th annual International Air Safety Seminar (IASS) scheduled for Oct. 23–25, 2012. Coming to this region was a natural choice due to the partnerships the Foundation has formed over the past few years. I thought I would use my operations update this month to provide some insight on our partners.
The IASS will be presented by the Foundation and the Latin American and Caribbean Air Transport Association (ALTA). It will be hosted by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGAC) of Chile. ALTA is a private, non-profit organization, whose member airlines represent more than 90 percent of the region’s commercial air traffic. ALTA coordinates the collaborative efforts of its members to facilitate the development of safer, more efficient and environmentally friendly air transport in the Latin American and Caribbean region for the mutual benefit of the association’s members, their customers and the industry. It is a natural fit with our Foundation activities in safety.
The DGAC provides Chilean aviation and foreign operators in Chile the necessary services for the security and regularity of air navigation. It participates directly in the planning of the aeronautical infrastructure, contributing to national integration and regional development, and is responsible for the security of the civil aviation system. The organization works closely with international organizations (Flight Safety Foundation), general aviation interests, airlines, maintenance centers, aviation schools and other public services.
Meeting in conjunction with the IASS — in order to take advantage of this gathering of well-known presenters, interesting topics and great networking opportunities — will be the Regional Aviation Safety Group–Pan America (RASG-PA). RASG-PA was established in November 2008 to be the focal point to ensure harmonization and coordination of safety efforts aimed at reducing aviation safety risks in the North American, Central American, Caribbean (NAM/CAR) and South American (SAM) regions and to promote the implementation of safety initiatives by all stakeholders. This is another great alliance with the Foundation activities.
ALTA, the International Air Transport Association, the International Federation of Air Line Pilots’ Associations, the Air Line Pilots Association, International and various other associations also will be at IASS.
The Foundation has not held an event in this region of the world since 1999, so it will definitely be the safety event to attend. As I have mentioned previously in my articles, the seminar formats have been enhanced and at this one we will have some presentations that are oriented to this region of the world on how some safety programs are implemented. We will have the usual high-quality exhibitors there, along with a great reception at the National Museum of Air and Space.