Paris:
The French Pilots' union SNPL confirmed that flight AF 447, an Airbus 330 was fitted with older speed sensors that were known to have encountered problems of icing on other flights leading to incorrect air speeds.
Now the pilots unions want Air France to replace all 3 speed sensors very quickly on all its aircrafts as a precautionary measure.
Air France had started upgrading speed sensors before the crash in April this year but not all Airbus 330s were fitted with new sensors leading to suspicions that AF 447 may have been a victim of this delay.
Air France promised pilots unions that from Tuesday onwards no A330 would take off without at least 2 new speed sensors fitted. The SNPL pilots union says that correct speed readings are indispensable for pilots to control any flight and the speed sensors of the AF 447 may have been one of the many probable factors that may have contributed to the AF 447 crash.
"For all types of aircraft there's a minimum equipment list and it's authorised to fly with one pilot not functioning at all. That's why we want the aircraft to leave with 3; we know that with only 2 working we can fly safely to destination," said Louis Jobard, SNPL Pilots Union.
Airbus issued a recommendation in September 2007 to change these sensors after malfunctions were detected, but Air France said it was not a mandatory directive from the manufacturer which is usually issued when air safety is concerned.
The silence that Air France, airbus and French investigating authorities have maintained so far has led to insecurity and panic here. Air France have for now reassured the pilots that no Airbus 330 will take off unless it's fitted with at least 2 new speed sensors. But a host of unanswered questions have clearly shaken the confidence of pilots here.