[ABANDONED] Civilian Air Safety

[Wallenburg]

Well, I guess I was wrong. According to GenSec, plagiarism is not plagiarism. Why I expected people to understand concepts taught as early as 6th grade is beyond me.

Well it's not quite "according to GenSec" so much as according to the long established rules, procedures and culture of the GA but sure if you want to blame us for a perfectly acceptable standard predating GenSec's existence by a good number of years, I'm more than happy to take the credit for it.

> Gets upset if I criticize a break from precedent
> Gets upset if I criticize adherence to precedent

Pretty much what I expected, have a great day.

[Kenmoria]

"In clauses 2, 9 and 15, you use the “a)” format, whereas in clause 16, you use the “(a)” format; I would recommend sticking to one or the other."

[Erithaca]

I have implemented Kenmoria's changes. Thanks for the help! I am unsure about which category to use.

[Zone 71]

In that case, my original question stands. How on Earth do you have 29 active clauses? This is way too long to even be submitted.

OOC: I concur with Wallenburg. I have never seen a GA Resolution consisting anywhere close of 29 clauses. For better pacing and reading, I urge that you, Erithaca, condense this.

I believe there can be some things that can be removed or shortened. The definition of "airworthy," for example, has ten subclauses in and of itself, and clause nine has eleven. And clauses 13, 14, 15, and 16, I believe, could be shortened into one or two clauses, as they all essentially discuss WASA's mission.

[Kenmoria]

In that case, my original question stands. How on Earth do you have 29 active clauses? This is way too long to even be submitted.

OOC: I concur with Wallenburg. I have never seen a GA Resolution consisting anywhere close of 29 clauses. For better pacing and reading, I urge that you, Erithaca, condense this.

I believe there can be some things that can be removed or shortened. The definition of "airworthy," for example, has ten subclauses in and of itself, and clause nine has eleven. And clauses 13, 14, 15, and 16, I believe, could be shortened into one or two clauses, as they all essentially discuss WASA's mission.

(OOC: There was firstly something about splitting the proposal into two, independent parts, to make each part fit under the character limit of 5000. Whilst I can't actually find any examples, I'm sure I remember it happening before.)

[Bananaistan]

OOC: I agree with the above two posts. It's near impossible to give any critique when the proposal is so far removed from anything that could be submitted. I'd recommend a complete a redraft and a separate thread for either the repeal or the replacement. You could boil your replacement down to bullet points offline and use that as a basis for your replacement.

[Kenmoria]

"Clause 2a should end with a comma like the other subclauses that don't end a clause."

[Erithaca]

In that case, my original question stands. How on Earth do you have 29 active clauses? This is way too long to even be submitted.

OOC: I concur with Wallenburg. I have never seen a GA Resolution consisting anywhere close of 29 clauses. For better pacing and reading, I urge that you, Erithaca, condense this.

I believe there can be some things that can be removed or shortened. The definition of "airworthy," for example, has ten subclauses in and of itself, and clause nine has eleven. And clauses 13, 14, 15, and 16, I believe, could be shortened into one or two clauses, as they all essentially discuss WASA's mission.

I have condensed the resolution significantly. There was a lot of useless verbiage in it and some articles that were scrapped altogether. Despite there being 23 articles now, the character count is below the limit (almost halved) More shortening is to come.

[Erithaca]

OOC: I agree with the above two posts. It's near impossible to give any critique when the proposal is so far removed from anything that could be submitted. I'd recommend a complete a redraft and a separate thread for either the repeal or the replacement. You could boil your replacement down to bullet points offline and use that as a basis for your replacement.

I will create a separate thread for the repeal. The replacement has been significantly shortened and could be submitted. I have learnt my lesson: resolutions should be short.

[Erithaca]

"Clause 2a should end with a comma like the other subclauses that don't end a clause."

Added one

[Masurbia]

6. Mandates that, except when under training or extreme circumstances, a person may only act as a pilot if they hold a licence and a medical certificate.

16. Mandates that pilots may not fly an aircraft without a licence.

Without a license, a person is not a pilot at all according to clause 6. So clause 16 should be changed to say "people."

[Araraukar]

OOC: My mind went "NNNYYYAAAARRRGGHHH" when I tried to read the draft in its current form, so I added list code, didn't make any other changes. Click the "select all" at the top of the code box (and click the spoiler to see what it looks like with the code) to copy the coding into your first post.

Code: Select all

[box]The General Assembly,

Noting the damage caused by air accidents,

Observing the necessity for safety on aircraft,

Understanding the international nature of air transport,

Hereby,

1. Defines "aircraft" as complex motor-powered machine that is able to fly by gaining support from the air.

2. Defines "airworthy" as when:
[list=a][*]the integrity of the structure is ensured throughout the aircraft,
[*]all combinations of load reasonably expected to occur within the aircraft are considered safe,
[*]the aircraft is free from any aeroelastic instability and excessive vibration,
[*]the aircraft propulsion system produces, within its stated limits, the thrust or power demanded of it at all required flight conditions,
[*]there is a satisfactory level of safety for those onboard or on the ground during the operation of the product,
[*]the aircraft is controllable and manoeuvrable,
[*]cabin compartments provide passengers with suitable conditions and  protection from  expected hazards,
[*]occupants have every reasonable chance of avoiding serious injury and quickly evacuating the aircraft.[/list]

3. Mandates that aircraft are registered in a Member State.

4. Mandates that aircraft products shall have a type-certificate. It shall show that the product has no characteristic making it unsafe for operation.

5. Mandates that a permit to fly may only be issued when it is shown that the aircraft is airworthy.

6. Mandates that, except when under training or extreme circumstances, a person may only act as a pilot if they hold a licence and a medical certificate.

7. Mandates that the appropriate knowledge of the following shall be required for a pilot's licence:
[list=a][*]air law,
[*]technical matters related to the aircraft,
[*]flight performance and planning,
[*]human performance and limitations,
[*]meteorology,
[*]communications,[/list]

8. Mandates that the acquisition and retention of the knowledge, along with medical condition must be demonstrated regularly.

9. Mandates that the capability of pilot training organisations and of aero-medical centres shall be recognised by the issuance of an certificate.

10. Creates a World Aviation Safety Agency (WASA) for the purpose of the implementation of this resolution. The WASA shall be headed by an Executive Director and Executive Management Board and be divided into two branches: the Licencing Agency (WASLA) and the Air Traffic Control Agency (WASATCA).

11. Ensures that the WASLA shall:
[list=a][*]conduct investigations and audits of the organisations it certifies and, where relevant, their personnel,
[*]issue and renew the certificates of pilot training organisations and aero-medical centres,
[*]amend, limit, suspend or revoke the relevant certificate when the conditions according to which it was issued by it are no longer fulfilled,
[*]impose fines where this Resolution has been breached,
[*]issue type-certificates and permits to fly,
[*]describe the way in which the Agency has implemented its work in an annual report.[/list]

12. Mandates that WASA inspections shall consist of examination of the relevant data, equipment and premises.

13. Mandates that, before every flight, the roles of each crew member must be defined. The pilot in command must be responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all crew members, passengers and cargo on board.

14. Mandates that dangerous goods, weapons and ammunition must not be carried on any aircraft unless specific safety procedures and instructions are applied to mitigate the related risks.

15. Mandates that aircraft may only fly when they have a permit to fly and type-certificates.

16. Mandates that pilots may not fly an aircraft without a licence.

17. Mandates that an aircraft must be equipped with all equipment necessary for the intended flight.

18. Mandates that no crew member must allow their decision making to deteriorate to the extent that flight safety is endangered.

19. Mandates that a crew member must not perform allocated duties on board an aircraft when under the influence of psychoactive substances or alcohol.

20. Mandates that member states shall ensure that the air traffic control function is available to parties on a 24 hour basis.

21. Demands that air traffic control shall:
[list=a][*]provide meteorological information,
[*]provide traffic information,
[*]information on runway state,
[*]prevent collisions between aircraft,
[*]notify organizations of and assist in search and rescue operations,
[*]conduct and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic;
[*]provide any other information needed for safe flight operation.[/list]

22. Urges member nations to ensure adequate security personnel are present on any civilian aircraft which is operating in or out of nations currently engaged in armed conflict, or where a credible threat to those aircraft is present.

23. Forbids member nations from taking military action against civilian aircraft without first warning that aircraft and permitting that aircraft to comply with instructions.[/box]

Category: ?
Strength: Strong

The General Assembly,

Noting the damage caused by air accidents,

Observing the necessity for safety on aircraft,

Understanding the international nature of air transport,

Hereby,

1. Defines "aircraft" as complex motor-powered machine that is able to fly by gaining support from the air.

2. Defines "airworthy" as when:

1. the integrity of the structure is ensured throughout the aircraft,
2. all combinations of load reasonably expected to occur within the aircraft are considered safe,
3. the aircraft is free from any aeroelastic instability and excessive vibration,
4. the aircraft propulsion system produces, within its stated limits, the thrust or power demanded of it at all required flight conditions,
5. there is a satisfactory level of safety for those onboard or on the ground during the operation of the product,
6. the aircraft is controllable and manoeuvrable,
7. cabin compartments provide passengers with suitable conditions and protection from expected hazards,
8. occupants have every reasonable chance of avoiding serious injury and quickly evacuating the aircraft.

3. Mandates that aircraft are registered in a Member State.

4. Mandates that aircraft products shall have a type-certificate. It shall show that the product has no characteristic making it unsafe for operation.

5. Mandates that a permit to fly may only be issued when it is shown that the aircraft is airworthy.

6. Mandates that, except when under training or extreme circumstances, a person may only act as a pilot if they hold a licence and a medical certificate.

7. Mandates that the appropriate knowledge of the following shall be required for a pilot's licence:

1. air law,
2. technical matters related to the aircraft,
3. flight performance and planning,
4. human performance and limitations,
5. meteorology,
6. communications,

8. Mandates that the acquisition and retention of the knowledge, along with medical condition must be demonstrated regularly.

9. Mandates that the capability of pilot training organisations and of aero-medical centres shall be recognised by the issuance of an certificate.

10. Creates a World Aviation Safety Agency (WASA) for the purpose of the implementation of this resolution. The WASA shall be headed by an Executive Director and Executive Management Board and be divided into two branches: the Licencing Agency (WASLA) and the Air Traffic Control Agency (WASATCA).

11. Ensures that the WASLA shall:

1. conduct investigations and audits of the organisations it certifies and, where relevant, their personnel,
2. issue and renew the certificates of pilot training organisations and aero-medical centres,
3. amend, limit, suspend or revoke the relevant certificate when the conditions according to which it was issued by it are no longer fulfilled,
4. impose fines where this Resolution has been breached,
5. issue type-certificates and permits to fly,
6. describe the way in which the Agency has implemented its work in an annual report.

12. Mandates that WASA inspections shall consist of examination of the relevant data, equipment and premises.

13. Mandates that, before every flight, the roles of each crew member must be defined. The pilot in command must be responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all crew members, passengers and cargo on board.

14. Mandates that dangerous goods, weapons and ammunition must not be carried on any aircraft unless specific safety procedures and instructions are applied to mitigate the related risks.

15. Mandates that aircraft may only fly when they have a permit to fly and type-certificates.

16. Mandates that pilots may not fly an aircraft without a licence.

17. Mandates that an aircraft must be equipped with all equipment necessary for the intended flight.

18. Mandates that no crew member must allow their decision making to deteriorate to the extent that flight safety is endangered.

19. Mandates that a crew member must not perform allocated duties on board an aircraft when under the influence of psychoactive substances or alcohol.

20. Mandates that member states shall ensure that the air traffic control function is available to parties on a 24 hour basis.

21. Demands that air traffic control shall:

1. provide meteorological information,
2. provide traffic information,
3. information on runway state,
4. prevent collisions between aircraft,
5. notify organizations of and assist in search and rescue operations,
6. conduct and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic;
7. provide any other information needed for safe flight operation.

22. Urges member nations to ensure adequate security personnel are present on any civilian aircraft which is operating in or out of nations currently engaged in armed conflict, or where a credible threat to those aircraft is present.

23. Forbids member nations from taking military action against civilian aircraft without first warning that aircraft and permitting that aircraft to comply with instructions.

I noticed it's missing a category and seems to depend on a badly written repeal to even become legal. So unless the repeal passes, it's no use giving much critique on this one? There are several glaring errors/insanities in addition to what has already been pointed out, just so you know.

[Erithaca]

This has been kind of abandoned, so: bump.I will add the list code, but what are the "glaring insanities" and what makes the repeal so poor? I have no idea what to put for category or strength.

[Kenmoria]

“Clause 23 seems as though it could use some clarification. It implicitly green lights the use of military action when civilian aircraft don’t respond to instructions, even though said instruction could be extremely unreasonable or dangerous, as might be given by the air controllers of an enemy nation.”

[Erithaca]

“Clause 23 seems as though it could use some clarification. It implicitly green lights the use of military action when civilian aircraft don’t respond to instructions, even though said instruction could be extremely unreasonable or dangerous, as might be given by the air controllers of an enemy nation.”

I have clarified things a bit.

[Araraukar]

OOC post.

First of all, category and strength/AoE? Also, your title uses "civilian", but the majority of the clauses don't, which makes them apply to military aircrafts too.

1. Defines "aircraft" as complex motor-powered machine that is able to fly by gaining support from the air.

So that's also rockets and space ships capable of landing on a planet, and motorized paragliders... I'm not sure you should define an aircraft to begin with. It's a commonly understood word. This definition also excludes gliders and hot air balloons.

You could resolve the "civilian" issue by "Defines "aircraft" for the purposes of this resolution as..." and then include bits about operated for the purpose of carrying cargo that does not include military materiel, or people who are not in active military duty.

2. Defines "airworthy" as when:

Drop the "when" or make it "Defines an aircraft as airworthy when", and also I don't think these should be definitions, but rather mandates required for airworthiness.

the integrity of the structure is ensured throughout the aircraft,

So the pilots of an aircraft that has been damaged in the air must crash the plane as it's not allowed to fly anymore.

all combinations of load reasonably expected to occur within the aircraft are considered safe,

Within but not without? Generally speaking the "loads" (which is not the best word to use, given the various meanings) on an aircraft come from the outside forces, not inside ones.

the aircraft is free from any aeroelastic instability and excessive vibration,

Define "aeroelastic instability". Not in the proposal. Just define it OOCly. Also, certain malfunctions can cause excessive vibration, and that tends to happen in the air when the engines are actually running near to full power.

the aircraft propulsion system produces, within its stated limits, the thrust or power demanded of it at all required flight conditions,

What are "required flight conditions"? Because stalling due to airplane nose rising too high is something you really can't avoid with a fixed wing airplane.

there is a satisfactory level of safety for those onboard or on the ground during the operation of the product,

What is "satisfactory level of safety" and what safety exactly? Safety from allergic reactions? Safety from fellow passengers? Safety from dying in an instant as an aircraft obliterates in a fiery impact with the ground?

the aircraft is controllable and manoeuvrable,

I have a feeling that all of these clauses should have a modifier "within normal functioning parametres as defined by the manufacturer".

cabin compartments provide passengers with suitable conditions and protection from expected hazards,

You have an extra space there. And what about aircraft that do not have cabin compartments?

occupants have every reasonable chance of avoiding serious injury and quickly evacuating the aircraft.

You probably should separate those clauses, as "quickly evacuating the aircraft" and "chance of avoiding serious injury" do not always go hand in hand. And also I think the aircraft evacuation should only be a mandate when the aircraft has come to a stop on the ground. Otherwise serious injury (and death) are pretty much a guarantee.

In addition, all of these should be mandates for civilian aircraft only, especially the last one, since using an ejection seat on a jet fighter is pretty much guarantee of a chance of serious injury.

3. Mandates that aircraft are registered in a Member State.

Except the ones that are owned, registered and operated by non-member states?

4. Mandates that aircraft products shall have a type-certificate. It shall show that the product has no characteristic making it unsafe for operation.

Who shall issue this? The designer? The manufacturer? The operator? Some kind of professional on air safety?

5. Mandates that a permit to fly may only be issued when it is shown that the aircraft is airworthy.

Even if the aircraft is damaged but still capable of flight and it would be more dangerous for the people onboard to stay where they are than attempt flight with a damaged aircraft? (Active combat zones come to mind.) Especially given the "extreme circumstances" mentioned below.

6. Mandates that, except when under training or extreme circumstances, a person may only act as a pilot if they hold a licence and a medical certificate.

What licence? Driving licence for motorbikes? Licence to kill? And medical certificate stating what? Perhaps "good health" or "not likely to die within the next two months" should be defined.

7. Mandates that the appropriate knowledge of the following shall be required for a pilot's licence:

Too bad the above mandate says nothing about a pilot's licence.

air law,

I presume this refers to air law of all the nations whose airspace the pilot is meant to fly, in addition to international air law?

technical matters related to the aircraft,

Given the sheer complexity of a modern, commercial jumbo jet, this one alone means that no-one will be allowed to fly. Except maybe some AI with an eidetic memory. Also, there's a reason why pilots have operating manuals and checklists.

human performance and limitations,

I would replace "human" with "individuals'". Plural because group dynamics is very important in an air crew.

meteorology,

Perhaps requiring knowledge of meteorology relating to flight conditions an aircraft can be expected to encounter would be enough?

communications,

I would leave this to "communication" since that covers communication with crew members, other planes and ground control. Though I would probably specify following the instructions of flight controllers in a separate mandate, as the failure to do so can lead to a large number of deaths.

8. Mandates that the acquisition and retention of the knowledge, along with medical condition must be demonstrated regularly.

Perhaps acquiring a pilot's licence would also require actually piloting an airplane under the supervision of a more experienced pilot, the way it is in Real Life? And that it should be continued to be demonstrated with similar active situation tests? Also "medical condition must be demonstrated regularly" - without a modifier on "medical condition", that sounds like you must have a medical condition, that is, a disease, disorder, syndrome or other medical complaint, before being allowed to fly. See what I said above about the medical certification.

9. Mandates that the capability of pilot training organisations and of aero-medical centres shall be recognised by the issuance of an certificate.

What are "aero-medical centres"? Also, what if the capability (I would think requiring good or at least adequate quality would be more important) is bad, do they still need to be issued a certificate?

10. Creates a World Aviation Safety Agency (WASA) for the purpose of the implementation of this resolution.

All of the above are mandates easily handled by the member states, though. Why do you need a committee at all? Especially three of them.

conduct investigations and audits of the organisations it certifies and, where relevant, their personnel,

What investigations? And what audits? Tax audits?

issue and renew the certificates of pilot training organisations and aero-medical centres,

Even if they don't pass the audit?

amend, limit, suspend or revoke the relevant certificate when the conditions according to which it was issued by it are no longer fulfilled,

So if it was issued when the people/places were barely adequate, the certificate will be stripped away completely if they improve their quality? Sounds fair.

impose fines where this Resolution has been breached,

Fines on whom? The committee itself?

issue type-certificates and permits to fly,

"Permit to fly" tends to mean "permission to take off" and is generally given by ground/flight control. Are you suggesting the licencing committee takes air control duties - the rights, rather - away from the member nations?

describe the way in which the Agency has implemented its work in an annual report.

...isn't this just an unnecessary paperwork generator?

12. Mandates that WASA inspections shall consist of examination of the relevant data, equipment and premises.

Of what?

13. Mandates that, before every flight, the roles of each crew member must be defined. The pilot in command must be responsible for the operation and safety of the aircraft and for the safety of all crew members, passengers and cargo on board.

And what is the pilot not in command responsible for? And what if - as in real life - the pilot's role changes mid-flight, to allow one or more pilots the chance to rest during long hauls. Or are you seriously suggesting that a single person be continuously in control of the airplane on a 12 hours long flight?

14. Mandates that dangerous goods, weapons and ammunition must not be carried on any aircraft unless specific safety procedures and instructions are applied to mitigate the related risks.

...so militaries are banned from arming their airplanes. Sounds fair. Unless they carry their ammunition so that it can't be shot at targets.

16. Mandates that pilots may not fly an aircraft without a licence.

Even a motorized paraglider?

17. Mandates that an aircraft must be equipped with all equipment necessary for the intended flight.

Such as wings and motors and maybe landing gear...? Oh and adult diapers and a coffee maker for the poor pilot who has to stay in their seat for 12 hours straight.

18. Mandates that no crew member must allow their decision making to deteriorate to the extent that flight safety is endangered.

So an international law mandates that you can't become tired? ...remember when I mentioned "insanities"? This clause is one.

19. Mandates that a crew member must not perform allocated duties on board an aircraft when under the influence of psychoactive substances or alcohol.

Do you understand that mood stabilizers are psychoactive substances? I would be more concerned getting on a plane that I knew the pilot wasn't taking their medication.

20. Mandates that member states shall ensure that the air traffic control function is available to parties on a 24 hour basis.

Real Life would like to have a word with you:

Wikipedia wrote: "The vast majority of the world's airports are non-towered. In the United States there are close to 20,000 non-towered airports compared to approximately 500 airports with control towers. Not all airports with a control tower have 24/7 ATC service and may follow non-towered airport procedures during off-hours, for example at night.

At non-towered airports, instead of receiving instructions from an air traffic controller, aircraft pilots follow recommended operations, and communications procedures for operating at an airport without a control tower."

information on runway state,

That's ground control's duty, not air control's. And yes there's a difference.

prevent collisions between aircraft,

This is why you need a mandate for pilots to follow air control instructions. I would also add "and other aviation rules", since air control can tell you that there's another plane nearby and tell you to avoid using visual flight rules.

notify organizations of and assist in search and rescue operations,

I feel that this is a thought collision, with "last known location of the aircraft" missing after the "of", and also I don't think air control should assist in ground-based search and rescue. Instead they should assist an aircraft that has declared an emergency by clearing airspace for them to the nearest airport they can land at safely. And the start should probably have "in the case of aircraft emergencies and crashes", and you should probably notify "relevant authorities" rather than PETA or whatever organization pops to mind first.

conduct and maintain an orderly flow of air traffic;

...in the air. Airports are handled by ground control.

provide any other information needed for safe flight operation.

Such as?

22. Urges member nations to ensure adequate security personnel are present on any civilian aircraft which is operating in or out of nations currently engaged in armed conflict, or where a credible threat to those aircraft is present.

How on earth is a civilian aircraft going to "ensure adequate security personnel" onboard, if the threats to a civilian aircraft would be outside ones, such as fighter aircraft in the air and SAM missiles from the ground. I'd rather change this to "Bans civilian aircrafts from flying over active combat zones where a credible threat to those aircrafts is present". You should probably add something about taking all possible care to not fly into tightly guarded airspaces either.

23. Forbids member nations from taking military action against civilian aircraft without first warning that aircraft and permitting that aircraft to comply with reasonable and feasable instructions.

Maybe just make it a war crime, since that way non-state actors will be caught under this clause as well.

How's the repeal of the existing resolution going?

If you manage to pass the repeal, this should be split in two, with one half concerning air safety of an airplane when it's operated, and the other the pilot certification and such.

[Teretstein]

Who shall issue this? The designer? The manufacturer? The operator? Some kind of professional on air safety?

All certifications shall be issued by The Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

[Kenmoria]

"This is also very micromanaging, particularly the issuing of WA-mandated permits."

[Grater Tovakia]

What about gliders and other aircraft without engines? I am a staunch supporter of all things aviation and I think gliders and other non-powered aircraft should be included.

[Erithaca]

"This is also very micromanaging, particularly the issuing of WA-mandated permits."

I agree with this. The resolution is abandoned. Anybody who wants to continue it can copy it.