Charlene Frenette International Aviation Safety Association CEO – Canada 1096 Queen Street PO Box 239 Halifax, Nova Scotia B3H 2R9 September 19, 2002

Transport Canada
Mr. Jim Howard
Security Officer, Office of the Minister
Tower C, Place de Ville, 29^th Floor
330 Sparks Street, Ottawa Ontario K1A 0N5                                                                                         Fax:  613-995-0327

 Dear Mr. Howard:

At the outset, please allow me the opportunity to acquaint you with the International Aviation Safety Association (IASA).   IASA is a non-political, non-profit organization making commendable strides in the promotion of aviation safety on a global scale. IASA has principal offices in the United States, Canada, Great Britain and Australia.  The primary focus of IASA’s work has and will remain the safety issues surrounding aging aircraft wiring, however recent events have necessitated IASA’s  concentration expand into numerous and sundry areas of aviation safety and security.   IASA has briefed governments and regulators worldwide on these issues including, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB), the UKCAA, the US National Transportation Safety Board, the US General Accounting Office, the UK House of Commons.  Most recently IASA Chairman, Mrs. Lyn S. Romano was invited to NASA and afforded the opportunity of inspecting the wiring of the space shuttle – Discovery – during her 20-24 month maintenance mode.

 

 

Mr. Howard, IASA is contacting you regarding the following.  Several months ago, while traveling with Mrs.Romano from Halifax to Ottawa a situation arose.  Mrs. Romano, having lost her husband Ray onboard Swissair Flight 111 and being knowledgeable in the area of aviation safety, insists on carrying a “Smoke Hood” in her carry-on luggage, on every flight.   Please note the situation I am about to relay, represents merely our own IASA experience and not the numerous others that have been reported to us directly.

 

Mrs. Romano had just flown to Halifax from her home in New York via Newark Airport, NJ at which time her smoke hood was scanned through bomb detecting devices, examined and found to be acceptable to carry onboard.   Once, in Halifax, Mrs. Romano advised the Air Canada Ticket Agent that she was in possession of a smoke hood in her carry-on luggage.  Mrs. Romano was instructed to proceed through security where she was declined to board with the smoke hood due to insufficient screening equipment at Halifax International Airport.  In fact, no security personnel on duty had even seen one before.  Hours later, an Air Canada Representative telephoned  Transport Canada (with whom we were meeting later that afternoon) and clearance was provided to board with the smoke hood.

 

 

According to figures released by the Air Line Pilots Association (in-flight fire project) more than 960 smoke and in-flight fire events were recorded on transport aircraft in the US and Canada in 1999. These resulted in more than 350 unscheduled landings. Fortunately these incidents did not result in tragedy, but the frequency suggests that this will not always be the case.  The airlines do not currently provide respiratory protection to passengers (although regulations require them for the crew). Those who wish to have this type of protection must provide their own, however they may not be entitled to carry them on board.

 

It is my understanding that enhancements in the area of security screening equipment, are currently underway throughout Canadian airports.  Realizing airlines and airport authorities are responsible for security, while adhering to Transport Canada guidelines, IASA wishes to be advised as to whether any provisions have been made toward a uniformed policy regarding this matter. 

  

            I have taken the liberty of providing below, pertinent information regarding an acceptable smoke hood, although IASA in no instance endorses any particular product.  We look forward to hearing from you, at your earliest convenience.

 

            Thank you, once again for addressing our concerns.

 

Sincerely,

 

 

 

Ms. Charlene Frenette

International Aviation Safety Association

CEO – Canada

1096 Queen Street

PO 239

Halifax, Nova Scotia

Tel. 902-446-3220

Fax. 902-446-3221

www.iasa-intl.com

 

 

c:  Lyn Romano, Chairman

            .

 

 

 

IMPORTANT: see this link first (EVACU8 smokehood recalled by Manufacturer)

 

EVAC-U8 Emergency Escape Smoke Hood

 

 

The smoke hood is a bright green plastic cylinder with a clear red top. The cylinder is about 5- inches tall. The words "EVAC-U8 Emergency Escape Smoke Hood" are printed on the cylinder along with the serial number and expiration date. Recalled smoke hoods have a serial number of A97, 921 or higher, and an expiration date of May 1, 2002 or later. EVAC-U8™ is a filter respirator, and it contains no oxygen or compressed air. When you breathe through the filter, the incoming air is cleansed.  Toxic gases typically found in smoke from fires such as Carbon Monoxide are filtered out. Unlike many inferior smoke hoods, EVAC-U8™‘s unique system of one-way exhalation valves and nose-clip ensures that you do not re-breathe exhaled air. A further benefit is the fact that each time you exhale a slightly positive pressure is created within the hood. This helps keeps smoke and harmful chemicals typically found in smoke away from the eyes, thus avoiding irritation.  EVAC-U8™ is a filter respirator, and it contains no oxygen or compressed air. When you breathe through the filter, the incoming air is cleansed.  Toxic gases typically found in smoke from fires such as Carbon Monoxide are filtered out. Unlike many inferior smoke hoods, EVAC-U8™‘s unique system of one-way exhalation valves and nose-clip ensures that you do not re-breathe exhaled air. A further benefit is the fact that each time you exhale a slightly positive pressure is created within the hood. This helps keeps smoke and harmful chemicals typically found in smoke away from the eyes, thus avoiding irritation.