In an apparent move aimed at improving aviation safety, Congressman Dr. Luizinho (PP) has introduced Bill No. 3327/2024, seeking to amend the Brazilian Aeronautics Code. The proposal was presented after the Voepass aircraft accident in August this year.
The initiative, submitted to the Chamber of Deputies and available for review at this link,(portuguese) proposes mandating the use of prevention and protection equipment against anomalous flight conditions, specifically in the event of a flat spin.
A flat spin is a hazardous aerodynamic condition and, in many cases, irrecoverable. In this scenario, the aircraft rotates around its vertical axis while maintaining an almost horizontal attitude. This condition drastically reduces the effectiveness of flight controls, making recovery difficult and increasing the risk of fatal accidents, as seen in incidents such as the Voepass accident or the Pulkovo Airlines crash in 2006.
According to our partner media outlet in Brazil, AEROIN, the bill proposes the installation of specific equipment capable of correcting the aircraft’s trajectory, enabling it to exit a flat spin condition.
Among the suggested equipment are parachutes on the upper section or thrusters on the lower section of the aircraft, installed in the tail cone. These devices would help transition the aircraft from a horizontal to a vertical descent, facilitating recovery.
Congressman Dr. Luizinho’s justification emphasizes that while the adoption of such equipment may incur additional costs, it is essential to save lives in emergency situations. He argues that the cost of these devices is relatively low compared to the total cost of an aircraft and that implementing these safety measures is a necessary investment for Brazilian aviation.
The bill stipulates a 180-day period after publication for airlines to comply with the new requirements. The proposal will now proceed to discussion and voting in the National Congress.
Despite its good intentions, the project faces questions regarding its technical feasibility for the aircraft currently used by airlines worldwide. In the case of parachutes, the weight of the aircraft would require large-scale devices, making them impractical.
