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ALPA: Aviation Bill Will Advance Airline Safety

July 30, 2010 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate voted Thursday and Friday, respectively, to advance key safety-related provisions as part of an extension of the FAA reauthorization bill – HR 5900. This is the 15th extension since the last bill expired in 2007. It extends FAA operations through September 30 and largely includes key safety provisions of HR 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act.

“The aviation safety bill that Congress has sent to the White House this week is a welcome first step to making flying safer, but a good deal of work still remains to be done.”
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Happy Birthday, ALPA

July 27, 2010 - Today marks the 79th birthday of ALPA. Seventy-nine years ago, Capt. Dave Behncke and other Key Men met for a special convention at the Morrison Hotel at the southeast corner of Madison and Clark Streets in Chicago, Ill., to create the premiere airline pilot union. The rest is history.

To read about ALPA’s birth and ensuing history, grab copies of George Hopkins’, Flying the Line and Flying the Line, Vol. II. Remember that this is our legacy.

Spirit Pilots Approve New Contract

Pay Raises, Industry-Leading Work Rules End Four Years of Talks
July 23, 2010 - Spirit Airlines pilots have ratified a new contract containing substantial pay raises and industry-leading work rules, following four years of talks and a June strike. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), 96 percent of the eligible Spirit pilots voted, with 74 percent approving the new agreement.

“The ratification of this contract brings years of negotiations to the only conclusion this pilot group would accept—a fair contract that recognizes our value to this airline,” said Capt. Sean Creed, Spirit Master Executive Council chair. “With the solid backing of our international union, along with support from pilots and other union members across the country, Spirit pilots held firm during an arduous bargaining process and a five-day strike. This contract, and the strong vote that puts it into effect, is a direct result of this pilot group’s unwavering resolve.”
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ALPA Hails Obama Signing of Landmark Financial Reform

July 22, 2010 - ALPA applauds U.S. President Barack Obama’s signing of comprehensive legislation that will dramatically overhaul domestic financial-market regulations. The signing, which took place this morning, comes just five days after the Senate approved the Restoring American Financial Stability Act, and will provide a broad range of protections for ALPA members.
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ALPA Presents Plan to Revitalize Airline Industry to Aero Club of Washington

July 19, 2010 - In an address before the prestigious Aero Club of Washington, D.C., the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, presented the union’s five-point plan for revitalizing a stable, safe, and profitable industry, now and in the future. ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater, was the featured speaker at the Club’s July luncheon, held on July 19 at the Capital Hilton.

More than 150 policy makers, regulatory agency and airline representatives, journalists, and labor union leaders filled the room for Capt. Prater’s remarks, entitled “Washington, D.C., from 35,000 feet: Airline pilots’ views on policies for a safe and stable airline industry.”
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Senate Financial Overhaul Bill Passed

July 16, 2010 - On Thursday, the Senate passed the Restoring American Financial Stability Act by a 60–39 vote to limit oil and other commodities speculation. Between 2007 and 2008, the price of oil fluctuated between $38 and $140 per barrel. Consequently, airlines lost millions of dollars, which led to decreased capacity, bankruptcy, and job losses.
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Spirit Pilots Approve New Contract

Pay Raises, Industry-Leading Work Rules End Four Years of Talks
July 23, 2010 - Spirit Airlines pilots have ratified a new contract containing substantial pay raises and industry-leading work rules, following four years of talks and a June strike. Represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), 96 percent of the eligible Spirit pilots voted, with 74 percent approving the new agreement.

“The ratification of this contract brings years of negotiations to the only conclusion this pilot group would accept—a fair contract that recognizes our value to this airline,” said Capt. Sean Creed, Spirit Master Executive Council chair. “With the solid backing of our international union, along with support from pilots and other union members across the country, Spirit pilots held firm during an arduous bargaining process and a five-day strike. This contract, and the strong vote that puts it into effect, is a direct result of this pilot group’s unwavering resolve.”
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Conciliation Commissioner to Oversee Air Transat Pilot Negotiations

July 14, 2010 - The Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), representing pilots employed by Air Transat, a division of Transat A.T., announced today that a conciliation commissioner was appointed to oversee negotiations between Air Transat pilots and their employer. The appointment formally initiates the conciliation process with the Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service (FMCS) and sets in motion a series of hard deadlines for negotiators.
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Capital Cargo Crewmembers Ratify Tentative Contract Agreement

July 13, 2010 - The crewmembers of Capital Cargo International Airlines (CCIA), represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have ratified a tentative contract agreement that their Negotiating Committee recently reached with CCIA management. Of the 95 percent of CCIA crewmembers who voted, 71 percent voted in favor of the agreement.
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Jazz Pilots Ratify Tentative Labour Agreement

MEC Leadership and Pilot Unity Credited as Key to Success
July 9, 2010 - The pilots of Jazz Air LP, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), today announced they have ratified a tentative agreement with management. Of the 90 percent of Jazz pilots who voted, 86 percent cast ballots in favor of the agreement.
Read more in English | Français

Pilots on Potential Sale of American Eagle: “We are Crucial to the Future of Our Airline”

July 2, 2010 - American Eagle pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), said today that, as AMR Corp. revives its study of whether to sell American Eagle, they must be included in decisions about their airline’s future. American Eagle is a wholly owned subsidiary of American Airlines.

“Yesterday’s reported sale by Delta of Compass and Mesaba, coupled with our new president and CEO’s announcement that he has been tasked with evaluating the possible divestiture of American Eagle, signal a changing industry landscape that our pilots have a critical role in shaping,” said Capt. Tony Gutierrez, chairman of the Eagle pilots’ Master Executive Council (MEC). “We are an essential asset to this company and the support of Eagle pilots will be a vital component in the decision-making process about Eagle’s future.”
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Pinnacle, Mesaba, and Colgan Pilot Leaders Express Optimism About Pinnacle Purchase of Mesaba

July 1, 2010 - Pilot leaders at Pinnacle, Mesaba, and Colgan Airlines, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), responded to today’s announcement of Pinnacle Airline Corp.’s purchase of Mesaba Airlines for $62 million.

“I’m pleased to see Pinnacle pursue additional opportunities to grow the airline and augment its ability to compete in a tough economic environment,” said Capt. Scott Erickson, Pinnacle Master Executive Council chairman. “With the addition of Mesaba to the Pinnacle-Colgan family, I’m hopeful Pinnacle management will move swiftly to resolve pilot labor issues and streamline the workforce to maximize our competitive edge. We are committed to working together to ensure positive results for employees of all three airlines and the shareholders.”
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ALPA: Aviation Bill Will Advance Airline Safety

July 30, 2010 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the following statement after the U.S. House of Representatives and Senate voted Thursday and Friday, respectively, to advance key safety-related provisions as part of an extension of the FAA reauthorization bill – HR 5900. This is the 15th extension since the last bill expired in 2007. It extends FAA operations through September 30 and largely includes key safety provisions of HR 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act.

“The aviation safety bill that Congress has sent to the White House this week is a welcome first step to making flying safer, but a good deal of work still remains to be done.”
Read More...

Pilots Need Accurate Crosswind Information

Denver Runway Accident Demonstrates Hazard
July 14, 2010 - Airline pilots’ long-time call for timely, accurate weather information in the cockpit was echoed during this week’s National Transportation Safety Board sunshine meeting to detail the findings of its investigation into a 2008 accident in which Continental Flight 1404 departed the left side of the runway at Denver International Airport.
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ALPA Reps Talk Security with DHS Secretary

July 2, 2010 - ALPA president Capt. John Prater had what he later described as a “very positive” hour-long meeting with Janet Napolitano, secretary of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, at DHS headquarters in Washington, D.C., on June 29. Joining Prater were Capt. Robb Powers (Alaska), chairman of ALPA’s National Security Committee, and Jim Andresakes, supervisor, Aviation Security, of the ALPA Engineering and Air Safety Department. Noah Kroloff, DHS chief of staff for policy, and Art Macias, chief of staff, Office of the Administrator, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), also participated in the discussions.
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Pilots Raise the Bar on Runway Safety

September 25, 2008 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, set the bar high for runway safety today, challenging both government and industry to establish a goal of zero serious runway incursions involving commercial airliners in his testimony before the U.S. House of Representatives Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Aviation.
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The International Directory

ALPA’s Air Safety Department has issued an International Directory for international pilots. The Directory includes known expectations of authorities, a listing of major IFALPA associations’ contact information, and U.S. and Canadian government contact information for every country of the world. An ALPA member login is required.
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Volcanic Ash and Aviation Safety

ALPA Safety, through its Volcanic Ash project under the Air Traffic Services Group, has devoted years to expanding its database of operationally relevant information on this potential hazard and improving the warning system necessary to reduce unplanned encounters of hazardous ash clouds. This new website provides information for greater awareness, recommended practices for avoidance, and what to do in the event of an unexpected encounter. Pertinent videos, maps, and briefings about this dangerous yet fascinating natural phenomenon are included.
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ALPA Hails Obama Signing of Landmark Financial Reform

July 22, 2010 - ALPA applauds U.S. President Barack Obama’s signing of comprehensive legislation that will dramatically overhaul domestic financial-market regulations. The signing, which took place this morning, comes just five days after the Senate approved the Restoring American Financial Stability Act, and will provide a broad range of protections for ALPA members.
Read More...

Senate Financial Overhaul Bill Passed

July 16, 2010 - On Thursday, the Senate passed the Restoring American Financial Stability Act by a 60–39 vote to limit oil and other commodities speculation. Between 2007 and 2008, the price of oil fluctuated between $38 and $140 per barrel. Consequently, airlines lost millions of dollars, which led to decreased capacity, bankruptcy, and job losses.
Read More...

ALPA Commends Administration’s Intent to Nominate Woerth as Ambassador to ICAO

July 2, 2010 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), released the following statement upon the announcement of President Barack Obama’s intent to nominate Capt. Duane E. Woerth as Ambassador, International Civil Aviation Organization, Department of State.

“The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, applauds the Administration’s intent to nominate Capt. Duane E. Woerth as the U.S. Ambassador to the International Civil Aviation Organization.”
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Pilots Hail Confirmation of Pistole to Head TSA

June 25, 2010 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), released the following statement upon the announcement of the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of John S. Pistole as assistant secretary, Department of Homeland Security (Transportation Security Administration).
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ALPA Welcomes FAA Deputy Administrator Confirmation

June 25, 2010 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), released the following statement upon the announcement of the U.S. Senate’s confirmation of Michael P. Huerta as deputy administrator, Federal Aviation Administration, Department of Transportation.
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ALPA Presses Obama: Push FAA Reauthorization, Pilot Fatigue Rule

Administration and Congress Must Act
June 9, 2010 - In a letter sent to President Barack Obama this week, the president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) stated that a “strong FAA reauthorization law and updated fatigue regulations are essential to ensure the safety of airline operations” and called on the president to make clear to Congress the need to take swift action on both issues.
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Bankruptcy Reform Needed Now

Congress Must Stop Airlines from Exploiting Workers
May 25, 2010 - In testimony (oral testimony | written submission) before a U.S. House Subcommittee today, the president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), called on Congress to comprehensively reform the U.S. Bankruptcy Code to better protect workers and stop companies from manipulating the bankruptcy process to garner huge bonuses for executives while stripping workers of their collective bargaining rights.

“Despite the original intent of Congress, Section 1113 of the U.S. Bankruptcy Code today fails to protect workers or serve as the mechanism of last resort to save a failing business,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president, to members of the Commercial and Administrative Law Subcommittee of the U.S. House Committee on the Judiciary. “Instead, it has been exploited as a business model of first resort for companies to gain long-term economic concessions by gutting the wages and working conditions of airline and other employees.”
• View a slideshow presentation on the results of airline bankruptcies on ALPA.
• View a photo slideshow of the hearing.
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ALPA’s McAhron-Schulz Appointed to DOT Future of Aviation Advisory Committee

May 13, 2010 - Ana McAhron-Schulz, director of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) Economic and Financial Analysis Department, has been appointed by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to participate on its newly established Future of Aviation Advisory Committee.

“ALPA is honored that Ana McAhron-Schulz was chosen to serve on the DOT’s Future of Aviation Advisory Committee,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “We are pleased that airline pilots have a seat on this important advisory team and believe that ALPA can contribute significantly to the Administration’s efforts to develop transportation policies that benefit employees, passengers, airlines, and our economy.”
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56th Air Safety Forum

August 30-31, 2010
Washington Hilton, Washington, DC

Need to register and want more information?

Advanced Accident Investigation Course (AI-3)

October 12-14, 2010
University of North Dakota (UND)
Grand Forks, North Dakota

The course will run from 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. every day. Participants should be prepared to attend the three-day training in its entirety. The AI-3 will run until approximately 12:00 p.m. on Thursday, but students are encouraged to participate in an altitude chamber flight or an ATC facility tour/demo Thursday afternoon (if scheduling permits), hosted by UND. Prerequisites: Completion of the ALPA Basic Safety School (BSS/AI-1) and Accident Investigation Course (AI-2) is a prerequisite for ALPA Safety Representatives attending this course. ALPA Safety Representatives also require the endorsement of their respective CASC or CAI. There are no prerequisites for non-ALPA attendees. Register online.

Basic Safety School (BSS)

September 14-16, 2010
Vancouver, BC

Pilots who attend BSS should be pro-active and unfamiliar with the workings of ALPA’s air safety structure. Those who should not attend are pilots who have been extensively involved in ALPA air safety work at the local or national level, have already attended the Basic Accident Investigation Course or previous BSS programs. Prerequisite: Approval of the MEC CASC and/or MEC Chairman. Register online.

Airport Safety Liaison (ASL) Training Course

September 14-16, 2010
Vancouver, BC

This formally announces the next ALPA Airport Safety Liaison (ASL) Training Course, a three-day curriculum that includes Basic Safety School (BSS) training. This training was formerly known as the Airport Liaison Representative (ALR) course. Pilots who have previously completed BSS are only required to attend the training session being conducted on the afternoon of Thursday, September 16, 2010. Prerequisites: ASL candidates cannot attend the ASL Training Course and will not be assigned to an airport, until the safety structure approval process has been completed. Approval of the MEC CASC and/or MEC Chairman is also required for attendance. Register online.

ALPA Annual Negotiations Training Seminar Begins Today

May 18, 2010 - ALPA pilot group negotiators, leadership teams, and other support committees met in Herndon, Va., today to begin ALPA’s annual four-day Negotiations Training Seminar.

Attendees are participating in a series of lectures, hands-on training exercises, and a detailed case study and simulation to gain a better understanding of the necessary ingredients for successful collective bargaining.
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ALPA Executive Board Assesses Progress, Prepares for Fall BOD

May 4, 2010 - ALPA’s pilot leaders gathered for the first of the two-day 106th regular meeting of the Association’s Executive Board. During the opening plenary session, senior leadership reported on the challenges facing the Association and the progress ALPA pilots are making to advance their profession.

“Hurry up and wait” was the theme of ALPA President John Prater’s report (read the text | watch the video). He recounted the forward-moving steps the Union has experienced in the last 18 months. However, we’re still waiting for closure on many issues, Prater said.
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Walking the Line

A library of video and photo footage documenting the solidarity of ALPA’s pilot family.
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