Release #: 17.54
October 26, 2017
Statement on FAA’s Release of Air Carrier Training Recommendations
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), the world’s largest non-governmental aviation safety organization, issued the following statement today after the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) released a portion of recommendations by an industry workgroup tasked with exploring ways to enhance pilot training programs at various air carriers.
“We are disappointed that the FAA chose to release this portion of the ongoing work being conducted by the Aviation Rulemaking Committee (ARC) on air carrier training. These recommendations must be taken in context with all of the work being accomplished by the ARC in an effort to enhance pilot training.
“As an active participant of the ARC, it is important to note that today’s public release of a portion of the recommendations by the FAA is not an endorsement of the recommendations by the agency.
“ALPA is supportive of the existing pathways that help prepare individuals for careers as professional airline pilots. However, we do not support programs that shortcut or undermine the valuable training and experience that are necessary to develop the judgment required to be a safe and qualified professional pilot.
“Air travel in North America today is the safest mode of transportation in the world, and that is due in no small measure to the rigorous training and experience required of all airline pilots. Since passage of the Airline Safety and FAA Extension Act in 2010, which strengthened pilot training, qualification, and experience requirements, there has not been a single U.S. airline passenger fatality. In the 20 years prior to this Congressional action to increase pilot training, more than 1,100 passengers lost their lives in U.S. airline accidents. Therefore, ALPA will review any proposal through this extraordinary safety lens and insist that nothing is done to jeopardize it.
“Unfortunately, despite this unparalleled safety record, there are some special-interest groups who insist on putting profit ahead of passenger wellbeing. It will be incumbent upon all who are committed to safe skies to ensure that these interests do not unduly influence the outcome of the regulatory changes being proposed.
“Airline pilots are trained for life to keep flying safe, and ALPA looks forward to working with the FAA and industry stakeholders to ensure that the safest place on Earth will always be in the air.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 58,000 pilots at 33 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org