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In response to media enquiries concerning the Mandatory Occurrence Reporting (MOR) system, a spokesman for the Civil Aviation Department (CAD) today (June 27) gave the following response:
"Hong Kong maintains a reporting system in line with well-established international practice promulgated by the International Civil Aviation Organisation.
According to the Hong Kong Civil Aviation (Investigation of Accidents) Regulations (Cap 448B) (the Regulations), in the event of an accident or serious incident associated with an aircraft which results in the death or serious injury of any person; damage or structural failure of any aircraft which adversely affects its structural strength, performance or flight characteristics; or missing or complete inaccessibility of the aircraft, the commander of the aircraft has to make an immediate report to the Chief Inspector of Accidents appointed under the Regulations. The Chief Inspector of Accidents will then publish information about the accident or serious incident.
Under the Air Navigation (Hong Kong) Order 1995, Hong Kong Air Operator's Certificate (AOC) holders are required to report to CAD within 96 hours any incidents which fall into the MOR category. Reportable occurrences under the MOR system include incidents which involve damage to aircraft, injury to person (including crew), failure of multiple aircraft systems or equipments, false fire warning and abnormal functioning of the communication system.
In line with the increasing number of aircraft and flight operations, CAD has noted that the number of occurrences reported also increased. We are fully aware that members of the public attach the greatest importance to flight safety. As per international practice, CAD will continue to make immediate public announcements as and when an aircraft accident or occurrence which may have safety implications or suggest a systemic problem that may cause public concern.
From January 2009, the CAD made 26 incidents public.
Apart from maintaining the present practice of making immediate announcements for accidents and serious incidents, CAD will promptly publish information on any aircraft occurrence that may be of safety concern to the public. The CAD also reviews the system from time to time."
Ends/Monday, June 27, 2011
Issued at HKT 19:30
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