Tony Abbott, Australian Airlines Review Need For Further Strengthening Of Aviation Regulations After Germanwings Crash

Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott has sought advice for the country's aviation regulations, as several other countries began to demand tighter cockpit controls after the Germanwings plane crash recently. In Germanwings' flight 4U9525, the flight captain was reportedly locked out of the cockpit by his co-pilot, Andreas Lubitz.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority manages Australia’s aviation regulations. However, several safety procedures are enforced by the Department of Infrastructure and Regional Development, reported The Guardian. While the country has specific safety regulations that all airline companies must follow, there is no particular guideline as to the number of crew members that should be present in the cockpit.

Mr. Abbott said, such major aviation incidents usually result in review of safety procedures to ensure airlines' safety. The Prime Minister told the reporters that he is in contact with the Deputy Prime Minister, Warren Truss as he seeks for a briefing in this matter. Truss said agencies enforcing Australia’s aviation regulations are considering whether current cockpit safety requirements need further tightening.

“Careful consideration needs to be made following thorough investigation to ensure that altering current procedures does not open other potential vulnerabilities,” said Truss. He added that the country’s two major international and domestic airlines are conducting their own safety reviews for cockpit procedures.

The cockpit voice recorder from the Germanwings plane was recently recovered and revealed the final moments of the aircraft before the crash. Sounds of the flight captain Patrick Sonderheimer pounding on the cockpit door could be heard, as his co-pilot remained locked inside to fly the aircraft. The final eight minutes of the recording only contained the breathing sound of the co-pilot.

A spokesperson for Qantas, one of Australia’s largest airline companies, said the airline was still considering the international clamour for stricter cockpit policies after the Germanwings crash that killed 150 passengers and crew. Qantas continues to monitor information from the French investigation of the aircraft disaster.

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