"To: MEDIA
From: The voice of MANY former Monorail Pilots
First, we’d like to extend our DEEPEST SYMPATHIES to the Wuennenberg family and friends and to all of our former co-workers that are still with the WDW Monorail Department and will be forever haunted by this tragedy.
Second, there are still some questions we have that maybe the FCC can help answer by making available for those that want to hear it (PLEASE ...not for the media to play publicly - the family has suffered enough) the Radio Transmissions of that night.
However, based on the information that we have collectively received, and our experience I’d like to respond with this statement and have it aired so that it can be heard by WDW Management and NTSB or OSHA officials so that an incident such as this never happens again !!!
Yes, the Monorail system was designed with lots of “Bells and Whistles” as one former pilot stated on the air. HOWEVER, these bells and whistles that were placed on the trains and beams were only a part of the system that assured the utmost safety during switching procedures and during every day operations.
The Standard Operating Procedures (s.o.p.) of old, used to be that we never solely trusted the computers or machines or even other people. The ultimate responsibility of the safety of the guests on board and to the Monorail Train itself was UP TO US as the Pilot in a train. It was critical for us to watch all other trains and to listen to all radio traffic going on to be AWARE of where the trains were or where they were headed. The computers were a “back up” system to assist us since it was nearly impossible to drive the trains visually only with so many buildings and trees that prevented us from seeing everything. Radio procedures were used as a back up as well when “visual clearance” was not possible - such as, it used to be necessary to call for “Radio Clearance to the Contemporary” because we could not see if a train was already in the station at the time.
This being said, we do not fault the drivers alone for this tragic accident from this past weekend.
It appears to all of us, that the Standard Operating Procedures that were drilled into us as being VITAL for safety have become “slackened” and/or that Management has become complacent and allowed such. Many of us saw this “complacency” coming …some of us tried to fight it. I’d like this statement read so that ALL are aware, and so that those in the position of being able to MAKE CHANGE, will do so.
* Central Leads used to have to remain in the “Central Console” at all times, but most importantly during any switching procedures. The reason for this was so they could monitor the lighted board that showed the alignment of the beams. Also so they would be in a “perch” of sorts and be able to visually see the trains with their own eyes. Most importantly, so that they would be in a place of little distraction so that they could monitor every radio transmission and every movement and whereabouts of the trains. This was extremely critical during switching procedures because of the intricacies of the procedure that caused the Pilots to have to “override” the emergency stop (mapo) systems. This system was only allowed to be bypassed by the Pilot with “Central’s” radio permission.
* Maintenance personnel used to be required to stand beneath the switches in order to visually check that the beams were properly aligned when switched over. Our understanding is that now there are cameras for this. We see no problem with that as long as the cameras are working properly, someone is actually looking at them and that there is no confusion as to which beam / switch is being seen on that screen by that individual.
* Switching procedures used to have to be done with the driver going forward through the switch. The Monorail trains were purposely designed to be able to be driven out of either end of the train. The driver would have to “switch ends” in a station and go in reverse on that main beam to be in placement to move through the switch and onto the spur line in FORWARD. This was trained to us as being necessary so that the Pilot was able to visually see first hand that the switches WERE in place and that you were headed onto the spur line as being directed by “Monorail Central”.
Current Monorail Pilots, please be vigilant in seeing that SAFETY is the utmost priority over “Courtesy, Show and Efficiency”. Drive Trainers, please stress the importance of following all safety procedures - and hopefully the above mentioned are still in the S.O.P. - if not, it’s time to go back and change it again. All, PLEASE PAY ATTENTION AND BE CAREFUL. The safety record of the Monorail system is great compared to other transportation systems, but obviously is not perfect. Please strive for EXCELLENCE as was and should still be the “Disney” way.
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