Pilot Commentary - Strengthening the Connection Between ALPA and Its Members
By F/O Kandy Bernskoetter (FedEx Express) Chairman, ALPA Membership Committee
Making connections that lead to contentment and fulfillment is important in both our personal and professional lives. And understanding how the Association works on our behalf can be that bridge some fellow pilots need to make such a connection with ALPA.
I believe that if pilots have a stronger understanding of the relevance and importance of ALPA, the connection between the union and its members, and the piloting profession, will strengthen—and that’s a goal of the Membership Committee.
When I was approached about leading ALPA’s Membership Committee, I knew it would be a challenge. I’ve been a Pilot Assistance volunteer for more than 12 years and at first didn’t see my connection to membership activities. But it quickly became clear how these past experiences benefit me in my new role.
I became involved in the FedEx Express Master Executive Council (MEC) Pilot Assistance Group in 2005. In 2015, I founded the Pilot Assistance Team Hotline (PATH), which helps connect members who have questions about physiological, psychological, and aeromedical issues with the appropriate subject-matter experts. The goals of ALPA’s Membership Committee complement Pilot Assistance work because both focus on providing support and referrals to our members.
My work with the committee is off to a good start, as the timing of my appointment aligned with ALPA’s recent Membership Committee seminar. Attended by 34 volunteers, including both MEC officers and membership committee volunteers, the seminar focused on member benefits, classifications, and obligations for both our U.S. and Canadian members. It was also an opportunity to discuss issues members are facing and exchange experiences and ideas. Updated new-hire presentations for both U.S. and Canadian groups were given, with a welcome video from Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president. Over the next few months, I’ll be observing new-hire briefings at various ALPA pilot groups to explore ways to update materials and include key information.
The ALPA Furloughed Pilots Support Network (FPSN) and Veterans Affairs Committee fall under the purview of the Membership Committee. F/O Drew Everett (Hawaiian), ALPA’s FPSN coordinator, is developing new materials so that we’re ready to support any pilot group facing a furlough event. The focus of ALPA’s Veterans Affairs Committee is to help veterans who are transitioning to commercial aviation. The committee will be developing materials to provide information about ALPA, the airline industry, and what to expect regarding pilot training and schedule bidding.
As a Women in Aviation International (WAI) member, I’ve seen the value in making connections and mentoring others who are following in my footsteps. I recently attended the Organization of Black Aerospace Professionals (OBAP) conference for the first time and was impressed by OBAP’s history and inclusiveness. Events such as the National Gay Pilots Association Diversity & Inclusion Summit, WAI and OBAP conferences, and EAA’s AirVenture in Oshkosh, Wis., provide ALPA an opportunity to network and promote the Association’s message and commitment to diversity and inclusion, which fulfils one of ALPA’s strategic goals.
The Association recently formed the Women’s Working Group, which has the overarching goal of identifying key issues associated with recruiting and retaining female airline pilots. The group is in the process of developing a survey and holding focus groups to learn more about the issues that are important to female pilots across the industry. The group will collaborate with other ALPA committees to review and identify areas for improvement to help enhance the careers of female ALPA members and to help promote the piloting profession.
Watching a pilot’s career evolve is particularly rewarding. Many of the relationships I’ve formed as a result of my involvement and connection with ALPA’s Aviation Career Education clubs have continued well past the student’s graduation. It’s important to remember that the connections we form early in our careers could help develop the next generation of ALPA volunteers.
As a committee that falls under the Professional Development Group, the Membership Committee’s mission is detailed in the 2016 Board of Directors strategic plan. Using this plan, our course is charted to build unity and promote the benefits of ALPA membership both internally and externally. By making connections with our fellow members, I’m confident the committee will succeed.
