Norwegian Changes Cockpit Procedures in Response to Germanwings Crash

norwegianFollowing the recent crash of Germanwings Flight 9525, Norwegian has updated its cockpit procedures to reflect the latest information from the investigation. 

According to a report from French prosecutors released early March 26, the co-pilot of the plane deliberately crashed it into the French Alps with 150 people on board. The co-pilot waited until the pilot was out of the cockpit before locking the door and initiating the descent. Prosecutors have ruled out the possibility that the co-pilot could have fallen unconscious or initiated the descent accidentally, and have said that there is "no indication" of terrorism. 

Norwegian, which said in a release that it had been examining its cockpit procedures for some time, will now require two crew members to always be present in the cockpit. 

"This means that if one of the pilots leaves the cockpit, one crew member must replace him/her during this time," Norwegian said. "Our passengers’ and crew’s safety always comes first, which is why we have decided to change our procedures, in line with US regulations."

"Today, there are no European regulatory requirements stating that two crew members must be in the cockpit at all times."

Norwegian has said that it will implement the new procedures as soon as it receives approval from the Norwegian Civil Aviation Authority.

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