Capt. David Farmer (Delta), the Leadership Committee chairman, provides his insights on what it means to be an ALPA leader.

Just as one wouldn’t take the controls of a new aircraft without the required training and knowledge of its systems, procedures, and characteristics, the same holds true for ALPA’s newly elected local council officers who’ve taken on the responsibility of representing their fellow pilots. That’s why the Association holds its annual Leadership Training Conference, which is geared toward preparing these new leaders to effectively carry out their duties and safeguard the future of the profession.

The most recent conference, held February 7–10 at ALPA’s Herndon, Va., Conference Center, drew more than 80 pilot representatives from 22 airlines who listened to presentations and took part in breakout sessions and mock representation exercises.

“Thank you for volunteering. Being an effective representative is the most important job at ALPA,” remarked Capt. David Farmer (Delta), chairman of ALPA’s Leadership Committee, which comes under the umbrella of the Association’s Professional Development Group. “The goal of the leadership training course is to provide you with the tools to succeed,” he said.

Farmer and his fellow committee members—Capts. Mark Moore (Delta), Andy Nelson (Spirit), and Rob Slovitsky (United)—moderated the four-day event, emphasizing how each local council rep contributes to ALPA’s core activities such as negotiating contracts, enforcing these agreements, and promoting the profession.

Presidential welcome

“I promise you that this job will be the most rewarding thing you do in your aviation career, bar none,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, welcoming the conference attendees. He shared with attendees his challenging but gratifying experience in 1991 as a new second officer rep for the former Delta local council in New Orleans, La.

Canoll spoke to the new officers on several occasions during the conference, including a “state of the union” presentation in which he provided an overview of the airline industry, ALPA’s current initiatives, and the status of current contract negotiations. He talked about the recent presidential election, observing, “Every new administration is a challenge,” and noted that both opportunity and uncertainty come with a transition in leadership. As examples of both, Canoll pointed to the recent appointment of the “very capable” Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao and the new government mandate that for every new federal regulation enacted, two existing regulations must be eliminated.

“Being a good ALPA rep takes perseverance, teamwork, and an openness to learn,” said Capt. Bill Couette, ALPA’s vice president–administration/secretary, who oversees the preparation of training modules for the conference and outlined local council officer job responsibilities.

“You’re a local council representative; you all have a council number,” said Couette, adding, “When you ran for office, you assumed several other responsibilities.” He noted that status reps have an obligation in their decision-making, as members of the union’s Board of Directors, to act on behalf of all ALPA pilots (for more, see “Weighing In,” page 6).

During the four days, participants heard from Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA’s first vice president and national safety coordinator, who discussed the structure of ALPA’s Air Safety Organization (ASO), its relationship with government agencies, and its many initiatives. DePete talked about the vast network of pilots supporting this effort, noting, “There are 406 ASO pilot volunteers,” who he acknowledged for their service to advance aviation safety and security.

Capt. Randy Helling, ALPA’s vice president–finance/treasurer, provided an overview of the Association’s finances and highlighted reengineering efforts to fortify ALPA’s strategic reserves. “Live within your budget; it’s your pilots’ money,” he stressed, emphasizing that when making budgetary decisions, “Ask yourself, ‘Is this consistent with our strategic plan?’”

As part of a presentation titled “ALPA Resources Available to You as an ALPA Rep,” Lori Garver, the Association’s general manager, talked about the Association’s expert staff available to assist pilots and reviewed the strategic, enabling, and operating goals of ALPA’s latest strategic plan, which serves as the foundation for the union’s many projects and initiatives. Garver noted that as the union moves forward using this structured approach, “We need to be nimble.”

Participants learned local council fundamentals like how to conduct a meeting and the details of Robert’s Rules of Order. They engaged in role-play exercises in which they represented members called in for counseling by their chief pilots. They received briefings on topics like legal responsibilities associated with the duty of fair representation, available membership tools and obligations, the dos and don’ts of using social media to share information, and the services of the Aviation Medicine Advisory Service, ALPA’s Aeromedical Office. And the new pilot leaders had the opportunity to network with their peers, who will undoubtedly serve as resources and sounding boards in the days to come.

Local council officers serve three-year terms, which ALPA staggers so that roughly a third of the union’s nearly 300 positions are up for reelection each year. New local council officer terms began March 1. 

For a list of ALPA's newest leaders, read the PDF or hard copy version of the magazine. Log on to Crewroom.alpa.org/memberaccount and click on the Representatives tab for the name and e-mail of your elected master executive and local council officers.