With the fall television season in full swing and the Emmy Awards rapidly approaching, what better time to highlight some of ALPA’s own award winners? Each year at the ALPA Air Safety Forum, ALPA members are recognized for their outstanding performances and professionalism. At the 2019 Air Safety Forum Awards Banquet, United pilots Capt. Christopher Behnam, Capt. Paul Ayers, and F/O Ed Gagarin walked away with the coveted Superior Airmanship Award for their skillful efforts and resourcefulness in addressing a significant engine failure over the Pacific Ocean. Their actions saved all 370 lives on board.
Earlier in the evening, Jazz Capt. Nick Seemel was honored with the Association’s Air Safety Award, ALPA’s top safety honor, for his outstanding leadership in aviation safety. Accepting the Aviation Security Award, Delta F/O Matthew Clark was bestowed the award for his innumerable accomplishments in enhancing aviation safety and security. Capt. Robert Frank (formerly Air Wisconsin) scored big, taking the Aviation Jumpseat Award, in part, for his extensive knowledge and long-standing efforts to promote interline jumpseat policy awareness.
Also during the ceremony, the Airport Safety Liaison Award went to Air Wisconsin Capt. Jawad Sultan for his efforts to successfully work with authorities at Philadelphia International Airport and Boise Airport wowed the Association, earning tribute as Airport of the Year. Congratulations to this year’s honorees and all those pilots who were nominated in recognition of outstanding service to keep flying safe and protect the airline pilot profession.
Read more about this year’s Air Safety Award winners.