Third party risks: that’s why WVB joined UECNA

In October 1992 a cargo plane crashed in a flat building in Amsterdam-Bijlmermeer. The result was that more than 40 people died in their houses, the so called third party risks.

This catastrophe had a great impact on many people, especially those who lived in the area where the aeroplane came down.

In November 1992 a group of inhabitants started the WVB (Working Group Air Traffic Bijlmermeer) to find out why this airplane came down in a densely populated area.

Moreover, the WVB wanted to know how the air traffic would develop in future. Could we do something to diminish the danger and noise for the people on the ground?

There are lessons to be learned after the plane crash. We have consulted specialists (among others pilots) and are in touch with Schiphol, Air traffic Control (ATC), local and national authorities, politicians etc.

Our group has a lot of knowledge about air traffic. Many times we have been asked to participate in consultative bodies of the government and aviation. We have achieved that there is more information and transparency about air traffic. That is not enough. We want to achieve that the burden of noise and risk will go down. For example: a ban on night flights.

We have realized that it is difficult to make progress at a national level. That’s why we decided 13 years ago to be a member of UECNA. It is very good to exchange information with groups from other European countries. Together we are stronger, so it is easier to influence the European Parliament. We hope that more groups will join UECNA.