ALPA capped off its highly successful return to this year’s EAA AirVenture Oshkosh convention and fly-in with its Women Fly event. Hundreds of young women lined up to attend the Friday night event, which served as a wonderful opportunity to bring these aviator hopefuls together with a core group of ALPA female pilots to talk about their start in the piloting profession and the love for flying for a living. ALPA general manager and former NASA deputy administrator Lori Garver moderated the event and surprised the entire group with arranging a special visit from Apollo 11 astronaut Buzz Aldrin, who dropped by to lend his support.
 
All of ALPA’s week-long Oshkosh activities were organized to help the Association better connect and engage with the larger aviation community. ALPA resource coordinator Capt. Paul Ryder (XJT) took part in a press conference announcing a new coalition, Aviation Works for You, to promote all kinds of aviation job opportunities to school kids. ALPA national education committee chair F/O Mark Haley (UAL) spoke to a packed house about a day in the life of an airline pilot. And not far away, dozens of ALPA pilot volunteers reached out to hundreds of Oshkosh attendees at an information booth located in the events Education and Career Center.

“Without ALPA and Pilots for Pilots, I wouldn’t have a roof on my house right now.” That simple statement shows again the value that P4P brings to ALPA, its pilots, and their families. F/O Chris Ellsworth (Mesa) only received a glancing blow from a hurricane last year, but it was enough—half his roof was removed and deposited somewhere down the street.

No one is more committed to ensuring we have enough qualified and experienced pilots to keep commercial aviation safe than the Air Line Pilots Association. The good news is that we currently have more fully qualified pilots in the United States than there are positions available, and air travel is the safest mode of transportation in the world due to our commitment to schedule with safety. However, we do need to make sure we have an adequate future supply of qualified pilots – earning good salaries – and guard against efforts to reduce safety, especially as it relates to pilot training and qualifications. That’s why the Air Line Pilots Association has worked for many years to mentor and inspire the next generation of pilots and advocate for loan forgiveness programs and other incentives to make it more affordable to become an airline pilot. .

As ALPA celebrates its 86th anniversary, we reflect on the strides we’ve made to improve the safety of aviation in the United States, Canada and around the globe. Our dedicated members are always seeking to enhance and maintain the safety of our skies.

In 2010, we made significant progress when the U.S. Congress passed more robust pilot training and qualifications requirements. Thanks to these higher pilot training standards, the U.S. has enjoyed the longest period in aviation history without an accident. 

Special Guest Commentary by F/O Kaori Paris, United Airlines

When I was a Captain I often flew with brand-new first officers who were starting their career as a part 121 pilot for the first time. Most everyone came fully prepared. Having 1,500 hours under their belt—together with well-managed and structured training—is the biggest key to success for new pilots entering the industry in my opinion.