Education Committee Meets Students at Embry-Riddle
February 5, 2010 - A group of seven pilots representing the ALPA Education Committee visited Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., on January 27. The committee spent time with professors and departmental staff, discussing their flight programs and getting a feel for the campus.
Read More...
New ALPA Security Alert Issued
February 5, 2010 - ALPA Security Alert 2010-1 addresses increased security measures for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games in Vancouver, British Columbia. To read the alert, click here.
NTSB Colgan 3407 Investigation Report Takes Step Backward in Enhancing Safety
Single Probable Cause Fails to Acknowledge Need to Enhance Pilot Screening, Training, and Mentoring
February 2, 2010 - Discussion during today’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Sunshine Meeting on the Colgan Air Flight 3407 accident highlighted many long-standing aviation safety priorities of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), including identifying a clear need to improve pilot screening, training, and mentoring, and modernize flight-time/duty-time regulations for airline pilots. However, the Board ignored the bulk of these factors in its statement of probable cause.
Read More...
Air Wisconsin Labor Groups Form Coalition
January 29, 2010 - Air Wisconsin employee representatives from ALPA, IAM, and AFA met in Milwaukee on January 25 to launch a labor coalition among all union employees at the carrier. By design, the coalition will open communication lines between the employee groups, allow for a common bargaining strategy, and eliminate the threat of common management tactics that pit employee groups against each other.
Read More...
Colgan and Pinnacle Pilots Work Together to Advance Mutual Goals
January 29, 2010 - The Colgan and Pinnacle pilots are united in a common goal: achieving fair contracts for all pilots who work for the two airlines owned by the Pinnacle Airlines Corporation. To that end, they have built a strong working relationship where they regularly discuss ideas for achieving this goal as well as for helping their airlines and their parent company succeed.
Read More...
imageALPA Names 2010 Aviation Safety and Security Priorities
Aviation Security, Pilot Training, and Fatigue Top List
January 28, 2010 - The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today released its aviation safety and security priorities for 2010. Topping the list are shifting to trust-based aviation security, improving qualifications and training for pilots, and combating pilot fatigue.

“ALPA pilots’ dedication and professionalism have helped to create the foundation for an extraordinarily safe and secure mode of transportation,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “Even as our profession has been devastated by drastic cuts in salary, lost or frozen pensions, and intensifying pressure to work longer hours, ALPA members have remained resolute in holding paramount the safety of our passengers, crews, and cargo. Challenges remain, however, as we pursue ever higher safety and security standards.”
• Click here to view a photo slideshow of the conference.
Read More...
AirTran Pilots Help Company Earn Record Profits
January 27, 2010 - While AirTran employees have contributed to the success of AirTran Airways through hard work and sacrifice, the pilots—represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA)—have not shared in the rewards for over five years. Currently, AirTran pilots are paid up to 26 percent below the industry average and have been in mediated negotiations with management since their contract became amendable in 2005.
Read More...
Education Committee Meets Students at Embry-Riddle
February 5, 2010 - A group of seven pilots representing the ALPA Education Committee visited Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Daytona Beach, Fla., on January 27. The committee spent time with professors and departmental staff, discussing their flight programs and getting a feel for the campus.
Read More...
Air Wisconsin Labor Groups Form Coalition
January 29, 2010 - Air Wisconsin employee representatives from ALPA, IAM, and AFA met in Milwaukee on January 25 to launch a labor coalition among all union employees at the carrier. By design, the coalition will open communication lines between the employee groups, allow for a common bargaining strategy, and eliminate the threat of common management tactics that pit employee groups against each other.
Read More...
Colgan and Pinnacle Pilots Work Together to Advance Mutual Goals
January 29, 2010 - The Colgan and Pinnacle pilots are united in a common goal: achieving fair contracts for all pilots who work for the two airlines owned by the Pinnacle Airlines Corporation. To that end, they have built a strong working relationship where they regularly discuss ideas for achieving this goal as well as for helping their airlines and their parent company succeed.
Read More...
AirTran Pilots Help Company Earn Record Profits
January 27, 2010 - While AirTran employees have contributed to the success of AirTran Airways through hard work and sacrifice, the pilots—represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA)—have not shared in the rewards for over five years. Currently, AirTran pilots are paid up to 26 percent below the industry average and have been in mediated negotiations with management since their contract became amendable in 2005.
Read More...
American Eagle Assists with Haitian Relief Effort
January 22, 2010 - American Eagle, on behalf of its parent company, AMR Corp., began delivering aid into Haiti one day after the 7.0-magnitude earthquake devastated the impoverished island nation. The immediate relief effort, designed to provide assistance to more than 100 AMR Corp., employees who work at Toussaint L’Ouverture International Airport, included three missions by American Eagle flight crews delivering 30,000 pounds of supplies – including water, food and non-perishable goods – to the devastated nation.
Read More...
Continental Pilots Respond to Release of Continental Airlines’ 2009, Q4 Financial Results
January 21, 2010 - The Continental Airlines pilots, represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), have responded to Continental Airlines’ release of its 2009 full-year and fourth-quarter results.

Says Capt. Jay Pierce, chairman of the ALPA chapter for Continental pilots, “We are glad to see that Continental, while posting a full-year loss, did show an operating profit for the last two quarters, including the fourth quarter, which is usually a money loser for airlines. Additionally, we are pleased to see Continental management invest in the future of the airline, with a move to the Star Alliance and spending on new airplanes, new seats, DIRECTV and Internet access on some aircraft. However, what is sorely missing in their release is mention of investment in the very asset that is most critical to the success of the airline: its employees.”
Read More...
NWA Pilot 401(k) Scores Highest
January 15, 2010 - Just this month, BrightScope gave the Northwest Airlines pilots’ 401(k) savings plan a rating of 93 (on a scale of 100), making it the top performer for the U.S. transportation sector, among plans ranked. BrightScope, a research firm that evaluates independent retirement programs, noted that the Northwest pilots plan had $2 billion in assets and 6,097 participants, with an average employee balance of $320,294.
Read More...
imageFirst Air Crews Assist Haiti Relief Efforts
January 15, 2010 - ALPA crews from the Canadian carrier First Air are among the many volunteers from around the world who are rushing to assist earthquake victims in Haiti. The airline is sending both of its Lockheed L382 Hercules – a civilian version of the military C-130 cargo plane – to the Dominican Republic to deliver relief supplies. FAB’s pair of L382s are the only civilian C130s in Canada.
Read More...
New ALPA Security Alert Issued
February 5, 2010 - ALPA Security Alert 2010-1 addresses increased security measures for the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic games in Vancouver, British Columbia. To read the alert, click here.
NTSB Colgan 3407 Investigation Report Takes Step Backward in Enhancing Safety
Single Probable Cause Fails to Acknowledge Need to Enhance Pilot Screening, Training, and Mentoring
February 2, 2010 - Discussion during today’s National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Sunshine Meeting on the Colgan Air Flight 3407 accident highlighted many long-standing aviation safety priorities of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), including identifying a clear need to improve pilot screening, training, and mentoring, and modernize flight-time/duty-time regulations for airline pilots. However, the Board ignored the bulk of these factors in its statement of probable cause.
Read More...
imageALPA Names 2010 Aviation Safety and Security Priorities
Aviation Security, Pilot Training, and Fatigue Top List
January 28, 2010 - The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today released its aviation safety and security priorities for 2010. Topping the list are shifting to trust-based aviation security, improving qualifications and training for pilots, and combating pilot fatigue.

“ALPA pilots’ dedication and professionalism have helped to create the foundation for an extraordinarily safe and secure mode of transportation,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “Even as our profession has been devastated by drastic cuts in salary, lost or frozen pensions, and intensifying pressure to work longer hours, ALPA members have remained resolute in holding paramount the safety of our passengers, crews, and cargo. Challenges remain, however, as we pursue ever higher safety and security standards.”
• Click here to view a photo slideshow of the conference.
Read More...
Pilots: U.S. and Canada Must Shift to Trust-Based Aviation Security
January 19, 2010 - The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), is calling for improvements in the aviation security screening system that will allow trustworthy passengers to be promptly cleared through security, while focusing much greater resources on those whose trustworthiness is unknown or in doubt.
• Click here to read ALPA’s white paper on “Meeting Today’s Aviation Security Needs: A Call to Action for a Trust-Based Security System.”
Read More...
Flight 253 Incident Calls for Increased Vigilance
December 30, 2009 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the attached statement on the December 25 failed terrorist attack aboard Northwest Airlines Flight 253.
Read More...
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.
Read More...
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.
Read More...
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.
Read More...
ALPA Commends Nomination of Earl Weener to NTSB
January 22, 2010 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued the attached statement in response to the Obama administration’s announcement of the nomination of Dr. Earl F. Weener as a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).

“The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, welcomes the Obama administration’s nomination of Dr. Earl F. Weener as a Member of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB).”
Read More...
imageALPA Supports NMB’s Changes to Union Election Rules
December 8, 2009 - Capt. John Prater, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), testified at a National Mediation Board public hearing yesterday in support of the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) the Board published on November 3, 2009, regarding airline representation elections. “ALPA believes that the Board’s proposal is a long overdue step to level the playing field in union elections,” Prater said. “It’s a realistic but important update that ensures basic fairness and recognizes that conditions for voting have changed since the 1930s.” ALPA joined with the Transportation Trades Department of the AFL-CIO, and several of its member unions, in unanimously supporting this rule.
• Click here to view a photo slideshow of the hearing.
Read More...
ALPA Praises Congress for Granting Pilots Family Medical Leave Benefits
December 3, 2009 - Legislation passed by the U.S. House on Wednesday drew strong praise from the world’s largest pilot union for allowing airline pilots to qualify for the same Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA) benefits as other U.S. workers.
Read More...
On Eve of White House Jobs Summit, Working Americans Gather to Call for Creation of Good Jobs
December 2, 2009 - As economic leaders gather in Washington for the White House Jobs Summit, working people will come together in Ohio, Minnesota, New Mexico, and California to talk about their experience in communities hard hit by the economic crisis. Members of Working America and the AFL-CIO will join religious and labor leaders in Dayton, Columbus, Minneapolis, Sacramento, and Albuquerque to discuss how the economic crisis has affected them and call for the implementation of national policies that will create good jobs immediately.
Read More...
imageCapt. Prater Testifies on Pilot Fatigue at Senate Hearing
December 1, 2009 - ALPA’s president, Capt. John Prater, testified at a U.S. Senate hearing this morning in Washington, D.C., on the subject of pilot fatigue. This is the seventh time this year Prater has gone to Capitol Hill to represent line pilots’ point of view on vitally important aviation safety issues. Prater reiterated ALPA’s position that the new flight-time and duty-time (FTDT) rules and minimum rest requirements that FAA Administrator J. Randolph Babbitt has promised by next year must (1) be based on science, (2) be uniform for all types of airline flight operations, with no “carveouts” for air cargo or charter operations, and (3) incorporate fatigue risk management systems (FRMS).
• Click here to view a photo slideshow of the hearing.
• Click here to read ALPA’s News Release.
Read More...
ALPA Participates in DOT State of the Industry Forum
November 13, 2009 - ALPA president Capt. John Prater joined airline industry stakeholders at the Department of Transportation’s (DOT) invitation-only “State of the Aviation Industry” forum on Thursday, where Secretary Ray LaHood announced the creation of a federal advisory committee. The committee has been charged with examining the airline industry, its competitiveness, and its ability to address the evolving transportation needs, challenges, and opportunities of the global economy.
Read More...
One Step Closer to Pilots’ Eligibility for FMLA
November 13, 2009 - On the evening of November 10, the U.S. Senate unanimously passed S. 1422, the Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act. If signed into law, the bill would amend the Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) to close a gap in its coverage of pilots and flight attendants.
Read More...
CIRP Chairmen’s Meeting
Phoenix, AZ
April 1-2, 2010
The Air Line Pilots Association, International is holding its annual CIRP Chairmen’s Meeting April 1-2, 2010 in Phoenix, AZ. The meeting will begin at 8:00 am on the 1st and go until approximately 5:00 pm that day, then resume at 8 am on the 2nd and end at 5:00 pm. Lunch will be provided each day and breakfast is provided complimentary in the hotel sleeping room rate. The meeting will be oriented toward helping chairs run their committees. On the second day we will have CIRP training including a review of basic grief concepts. Register online.
Accident Investigation Course (AI2)
Herndon, VA
April 12-15, 2010
The ALPA Accident Investigation Course (AI2) will be held April 12-15, 2010. The course will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. every day, but is expected to conclude mid-day on Friday. Participants should be prepared to attend the four-day training in its entirety. Completion of the ALPA Basic Safety School (BSS/AI1) is a prerequisite for ALPA Safety Representatives attending this course. ALPA Safety Representatives also require the endorsement of their respective CASC or CAI to attend. This course is intended for ALPA safety representatives who could be expected to represent the Association in an accident investigation. The goal of AI2 is to familiarize attendees with the NTSB and TSBC investigative processes, rules and procedures, as well as the role of the Association during an accident investigation. At the completion of this course, these attendees should be able to function as the Chief Accident Investigator or ALPA Coordinator for their MEC Central Air Safety Committee. Register online.
National Security Committee Meeting
Herndon, VA
March 9-11, 2010
The National Security Committee (NSC) meeting will be held at the ALPA Herndon Conference Center on March 9, 10, and 11, 2010. All MEC Security Committee Chairman and Coordinators are strongly encouraged to attend. The Spring NSC meeting provides extensive information about national and international security issues as seen from a pilot’s perspective, NSC project reports, meetings with government entities, and the chance to share “best practices” employed by various security committees. Register online.
Combined Training Council & Human Factors Working Group Meeting
Houston, TX
March 2-4, 2010
The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l is conducting the 19th meeting of the Training Council (TC) and the 4th meeting of the Human Factors Working Group (HFWG) on March 2-4, 2010, at the ExpressJet Training Center in Houston, TX. The Training Committee Chairman or person responsible for pilot training at your MEC and your Human Factors Committee Chairman or person serving as your human factors specialist are invited to attend this meeting. Register online.
Walking the Line
A library of video and photo footage documenting the solidarity of ALPA’s pilot family.
Read More...
imageALPA’s 105th Executive Board Meeting
October 28, 2009 - On the morning of the second day of the 105th ALPA regular Executive Board Meeting, delegates reviewed and voted on several delegate committee resolutions that will strengthen the union for years to come.
Read More...

Careers at ALPA ALPA Offices Contact Us Privacy and Terms Downloads Logon FAQs
Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l, 1625 Massachusetts Ave NW, Washington, DC 20036 (703) 689-2270