Following the incident involving flydubai flight FZ1073 and the UAE Public Prosecution’s announcement that the co-pilot used an “emergency axe” to attack the captain, questions have arisen over why such a tool was on board. The answer is that an emergency axe is standard safety equipment and is mandatory on many aircraft under aviation regulations.

Under regulations issued by the UAE General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA), aircraft with a maximum authorised take-off weight of more than 5,700kg or an operational capacity of more than nine passengers must carry at least one emergency axe or crowbar in the cockpit.

The tool is intended for emergencies, including situations in which crew members need a heavy-duty implement to access part of the aircraft, clear a passage or overcome an obstruction.

The regulations also state that aircraft with a capacity of more than 200 passengers must carry an additional axe or crowbar in or near the rear galley. Any similar tool kept in the passenger cabin must be stored out of passengers’ sight.

On flight FZ1073, the presence of the tool complied with regulations. The flight was carrying 174 passengers from Dubai to Tel Aviv and was operated using a Boeing 737-family aircraft, whose take-off weight is far above the 5,700kg threshold set by the regulations.

The UAE Public Prosecution said its investigation into the September 30 incident found that the co-pilot used the emergency axe to attack the captain and attempted to take control of the aircraft. The plane ultimately made an emergency landing in Tabuk, Saudi Arabia, while investigations into the suspect’s motive and possible connections remain ongoing.

The axe was therefore neither a security lapse nor an item brought on board by a passenger, but part of the aircraft’s mandatory safety equipment.