31.01 Russian Senators Propose Tougher Aircraft Safety Rules

MOSCOW, January 31 (RIA Novosti) – A group of Russian senators has proposed banning using passenger aircraft older than 15 years in a bid to tighten airline safety only weeks after a plane crash that claimed the lives of all 50 people onboard.

The proposal appears to come in defiance of advice from senior aviation experts, who insist the age of aircraft is not a key factor in determining whether it is safe to fly.

The bill submitted to the lower house of parliament Thursday introduces several amendments aimed at toughening controls over aircraft safety and imposing harsher punishments for violations of safety rules.

Russia has for years been blighted by a dismal flight safety record. Most accidents occur on internal flights run by small regional airlines whose safety standards have often been found to be lax.

Andrei Golushko, a Federation Council senator who jointly drafted the bill, say the proposed legislation will clarify procedures for overseeing operations in air transport and raise the responsibility of companies operating aircraft to international standards.

“It is important that the bill introduces the principle of constant monitoring of safety and potential risks, because preventive measures are essential for flight safety,” Golushko said.

The document envisions the use of video-recorders in the cockpits and flight-simulators. Professional education and training for directors of aircraft operators, as well as pilots and technical personnel, is to become mandatory.