Moving Forward in a Position of Strength

Weighing In

By Capt. Bob Fox, ALPA First Vice President

Throughout the recent turmoil in the airline industry caused by COVID-19, ALPA has persevered to maintain the health, safety, and security of our members while working to attract passengers back to the skies by restoring their confidence in air travel.

As the Association’s national safety coordinator for the past two years, I lead ALPA’s Air Safety Organization (ASO)—the world’s largest nongovernmental aviation safety organization—and focus the efforts of our more than 425 dedicated and talented pilot representatives. They’re the expertise and credibility of ALPA when it comes to pilot assistance, aviation safety, aviation security, and access to the jumpseat.

Since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve been ramping up our efforts to ensure that information is readily available and shared throughout our organization and that every resource needed can be called upon to help our U.S. and Canadian members weather this storm.

Our Pilot Assistance Group has been working tirelessly to address member concerns like medical certification and extensions issued by both the FAA and Transport Canada. And our Pilot Peer Support program has been an absolutely vital resource to our members. This network of pilot volunteers who are available 24/7 to listen and offer confidential, nonjudgmental support has been critical during these challenging and stressful times.

In addition to our efforts regarding the pandemic, the ASO has also been working on other issues important to the Association and our members. Our Aviation Safety Group representatives have remained front and center in discussions with the FAA, Transport Canada, and Boeing regarding returning the B-737 MAX to service, and I can assure you that our voice is being heard loud and clear.

We’re steadfastly defending the most important safety feature in an airliner today: the physical presence of at least two experienced, well-trained, and well-rested pilots on the flight deck. And we continue to push for one level of safety for all airline pilots, as numerous safety and security gaps still exist for all-cargo operations.

The Association is pressing to include all-cargo pilots—who’ve been vital to COVID-19 relief efforts around the world—in the updated science-based flight- and duty-time regulations of FAR Part 117, as they share the same airspace and airports as passenger airline operations.

ALPA is also leading the charge to ensure the safe integration of unmanned aircraft systems and commercial spacecraft into the national airspace system without adding risk. We have decades of experience to provide to these growing sectors—lessons we’ve learned so that others don’t repeat them.

We’re continuing to keep a watchful eye on the use of nonmotion flight training devices for training and opposing their use in qualification events. We’re engaging with NAV CANADA on ADS-B based services and holding discussions regarding reduced oceanic separation standards. In the far north, we’re pushing for more improvements to airport infrastructure and preparedness.

Our Aviation Security Group remains on alert for those looking to intentionally harm our airplanes, passengers, and fellow pilots. Late last year, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) unexpectedly implemented new pilot screening requirements at Known Crewmember® (KCM) checkpoints. ALPA succeeded in finding a middle ground that improved training, signage, and responsibility. We’re continuing to address the ongoing issues surrounding the TSA’s new random screening system of KCM access holders. We’re also in discussions to include our Canadian members in this valuable risk-management and time-saving program.

Our Aviation Jumpseat Group representatives continue to advocate for pilot-in-command authority regarding access to the jumpseat, while reminding pilots to adhere to airline policies—including complying with each carrier’s mask-wearing guidelines. We owe our gratitude to these ALPA representatives for their work in turning their motto “No Pilot Left Behind” into a reality and ensuring that our members were able to get home after Compass, ExpressJet, and Trans States shuttered operations.

These times have been, and continue to be, tumultuous. But I’m mindful of the work that our members do on a daily basis and know that we’re prepared. We’ve been preparing for nearly 90 years, and we’ll move forward from these unprecedented times confidently and in a position of strength.

Editor’s note: View Capt. Fox's remarks from ALPA's recent Board of Directors meeting.

This article was originally published in the November 2020 issue of Air Line Pilot.

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