Release #: 17.16
April 03, 2017

ALPA Statement on Recent NTSB Leadership Changes

WASHINGTON, D.C.— The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement today regarding recent leadership changes at the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB):

“As the largest non-governmental aviation safety organization in the world, ALPA applauds President Trump’s announcement to appoint Robert Sumwalt Vice-Chair of the NTSB. Sumwalt’s extensive experience in the aviation industry has resulted in repeated safety advances over decades of service, including co-founding ALPA’s own Critical Incident Response Program.

“In his 32 years as a pilot and over 14,000 flight hours, ALPA has worked with Sumwalt both as an ALPA air safety representative, and as a board member, and found him to be a strong leader. He is extremely knowledgeable in aviation and we look forward to continuing to collaborate with him to further improve aviation safety.

“ALPA is also extremely grateful for the leadership of former NTSB Chair and Board member Christopher Hart and former NTSB Vice-Chair and Board Member Bella Dinh-Zarr and look forward for their continued contributions to advance the safety and security of our nation’s air transport system.”

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 55,000 pilots at 32 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

-###-

CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org