PUBLIC AFFAIRS

While investigations are at the heart of the BEA's activities, its final vocation is to contribute to improvements in aviation safety. This is why it is not sufficient for an investigation to come to an end - information on it must be exploited and widely distributed.

In order to ensure that all those involved in civil aviation benefit from the results of the BEA’s investigative work, all information relating to accidents and incidents is accessible on the BEA website on the same day it is published. These documents are the fruit of collaborative teamwork.

The BEA's internet site responds to this desire to communicate with and inform both the general public and aviation professionals. Regularly updated, the trilingual website also serves the BEA’s other objectives:

to position itself in the national and international context;
to present and explain its role under the 1999 Law and the Decree of 8 November 2001;
to make its technical skills known to aviation professionals and civil aviation organizations around the world so as to develop, in particular, co-operation with investigators from other countries.

Proactive communication at all levels of the investigation

As soon as an event is notified, Public Affairs circulates information at its disposal: internally, to improve efficiency and, externally, where appropriate, by means of a press release, which presents the factual elements known on the event, and by making a file available on the website.

At the end of an investigation into an accident which occurs anywhere on territory under French jurisdiction, the sub-division responsible for producing the report begins work on its production, translation and publication. Depending on the circumstances, the sub-division responsible for relations with the press issues a press release or organizes a press conference.

When an accident occurs in a foreign country and the investigation in which the BEA participates is thus not its overall responsibility, Public Affairs works in concert with its foreign homologue so as to optimize information for all concerned.

The BEA communicates with any person interested in a technical investigation, in particular with administrative bodies, the judicial authorities, victims of the accident and their families and representative associations. A sub-division is specifically responsible for requests for information on investigations, answering the needs of victims and their families and providing regular and personalized follow-up.

Communication with the families of victims

An aviation disaster is truly traumatic for the public, especially for passengers. Seeing that such a prestigious activity as aviation, which has become synonymous with modernity, efficiency and comfort, is still subject to failings causes confusion and doubt. Clear and effective communication is reassuring and shows that those responsible are not subject to such confusion and that they are in control of the situation, or at least of their own reactions to it. At the same time, no one can ignore the high expectations of the victims and their families for speedy and precise information.

It is clear that communication must be organized, if possible, in an un-pressurized way, with those responsible for organizations which will have to take action in case of an accident, by clearly defining their roles, despite the inevitable confusion which reigns initially.

Premature release of information, in the name of an ill-conceived openness, would be irresponsible and even morally wrong. It is therefore essential to protect this information without falling into the trap of appearing deliberately uncommunicative.

In strict accordance with Annex 13 of the Convention on International Civil Aviation, which stipulates that the sole objective of the investigation into an accident or incident is to prevent future accidents or incidents, and that this activity is intended neither to apportion blame, nor to assess individual or collective responsibility, the BEA makes no value judgments or hasty extrapolations.

Communicating internationally

The development of relations with international organizations and multilateral meetings, where appropriate with the accredited representatives, naturally leads to deeper reciprocal knowledge of investigation methodology. The respect and mutual confidence generated make it possible to reinforce cooperation between states and improve the efficiency of the investigation in case of an aviation disaster. Depending on the circumstances, formal agreements or protocols are signed.

PUBLICATIONS