general

Canadian airlines will now decide for themselves whether they want to revert to safety regulations changed after the fatal Germanwings crash that killed over 100 people. The temporary order, which expired in June, required that 2 crew members be in the cockpit at all times during a flight. If a pilot or co-pilot went on a break, a flight attendant would replace them. Before the Germanwings crash, only 1 crew person was required to be in the cockpit at all times. The FAA still requires the 2 crew to a cockpit rule in place. Former NTSB chair Mark Rosenker said: “I’m disappointed that the Canadian regulatory authorities have decided to let this rule lapse. I think it’s short sighted and I hope we don’t have to say, ‘we told you so.'” <br/>

Barcelona airport security staff Monday intensified their strike action, just as the summer holiday season entered its busiest period. Spain's Civil Guard was forced to step in as officials scrambled to guarantee the necessary security checks at the country's second-largest airport. Spain's public works minister, Inigo de la Serna, said that the Civil Guard's presence at El Prat would ensure a return to normality after weeks of flight delays. He added that it was imperative to guarantee a high degree of airport security, with Spain on high alert in case of a terror attack. Initial reports suggested that waiting times at security checks were less than 30 minutes Monday morning, indicating that the govt was fulfilling its promise to provide up to 90% of the regular service during the strike. <br/>