Preparing for the Unthinkable: Local 1224 Volunteers Complete Advanced Go Team Training
10-17-2024
In the unfortunate event of an aircraft accident, Local 1224’s Basic and Advanced Go-Team Trainings are invaluable in preparing our Safety Committee volunteers to be party to an NTSB investigation. Because of the critically important role these crew members play in such situations, we’ve made it a priority to provide annual training opportunities for our Safety volunteers.
Teamsters Local 1224, in conjunction with the Teamster Airline Division and other Airline Division Locals, recently hosted Advanced Go-Team Training at Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Prescott, AZ. The three-day training course blends classroom and field experience on a nine-acre Crash Lab. A total of nine real-life aircraft accidents have been reconstructed and staged in this location.
Advanced Go-Team Training exposes students, who have completed the Basic Go-Team Training, to a real field investigation. The first day of training is spent in a classroom setting learning about fire investigation and other aspects of accident investigation. On the second and third days, students are assigned a team and an accident site, and they then put their new knowledge to practical use. Volunteer ERAU students act as witnesses and intrusive members of the media, making the experience as real as possible. Students are taught how to use “Light Detection and Ranging” LIDAR to map out an accident scene, and are able to utilize this equipment at the Crash Lab.
“As an attendee of this training, I felt it was a great event and an eye-opening experience. From the classroom lectures on accident site safety, interviewing witnesses, and discussing multiple case studies to working at the accident lab, where several sites were set up with actual incidents to investigate. There is a small group of people in relation to the population of the United States that are professional pilots and an even smaller group of people who have been trained to assist in accidents. With over 30 people in this training event coming from all walks of Part 121 and 135 aviation, it was a great mix of people to develop a network to lean on in case we are called to provide assistance in case of a catastrophic event.”
– Steve Miller, ABX Air Safety Committee Member
This year’s class had 36 students from almost every Teamster pilot local, two maintenance locals, and some of our CAPA brothers and sisters from American Airlines (APA) and Net Jets (NJASAP). Pilots from ABX Air (Steve Miller, Randy Wallace, Russ Leighton, Joe Muckle, Aaron Ramert), Horizon Air (Jon Dodd, Wayne Ayars) and Cape Air (Ethan Denton, Loren Herren) represented Teamsters Local 1224.
“The training experience was fantastic. The in-class portion on aircraft investigation provided valuable insights into the systematic process, including scene photography and fire analysis related to accidents. The outdoor portion, collecting data and evidence to develop our probable cause and presentations, was particularly enjoyable.
Being with other Union safety members was a great opportunity for idea sharing and learning from their experiences on accident sites. The instructors were exceptional, bringing a wealth of knowledge to the class. Overall, this course was amazing, and the collaboration with instructors and fellow students made it a memorable experience.”
– Ethan Denton, Cape Air Safety Committee
The Teamsters Airline Division sponsored a team-building dinner at Murphy’s Steak House in Prescott on Day 2.
All 36 students were impressed with the facility, the University, and the training they received. ERAU was extremely impressed with the diversity and knowledge base of the students who participated. Many thanks go out to all those involved. We are already looking forward to next year!
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