Release #: 17.45
July 20, 2017
ALPA Celebrates Airline Pilot Excellence at 63rd Air Safety Forum
WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today recognized the accomplishments of seven distinguished pilots during its 63rd Air Safety Forum. The presentation of ALPA’s prestigious awards and citations were featured during the four-day event.
In addition to honoring outstanding contributions by pilots in aviation safety and security, ALPA’s forum featured panels of subject-matter experts who led thoughtful and engaging discussions regarding long-standing and emerging issues in key areas related to safety.
“ALPA’s Air Safety Forum is a unique opportunity for aviation safety and security experts to engage on key issues that affect the future of our industry,” said ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll. “It also presents the chance to celebrate the dedicated pilots whose outstanding contributions continue to uphold the highest standards our profession has to offer.”
ALPA presented its highest safety honor, the Air Safety Award, to United Airlines Capt. Charles “Chuck” Hogeman for his vast contributions to aviation safety. His work over the years has helped shape and secure training and qualification standards and philosophies necessary for airline pilots, and his advocacy for the profession has made him a leading voice for airline pilots around the globe.
Virgin America Capt. Anthony Ristaino and First Officer John Grieff accepted this year’s Superior Airmanship Awards for their extraordinary efforts in performing an emergency landing after a rare maintenance issue impaired the aircraft’s ability to function properly.
The union recognized FedEx Express First Officer Preston Greene with its Aviation Security Award for his valued guidance and extensive work to promote aviation security, specifically in the realm of air cargo.
ALPA also awarded Presidential Citations to Delta Air Lines F/O Matt Clark and Capt. Scott Hammond for their tireless efforts in advancing ALPA’s safety and security work that have made a significant impact on the profession.
ALPA presented the Outstanding Airport Safety Liaison to Spirit Airlines Capt. Mike Wickboldt for his efforts to advance the highest standards of aviation safety at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas.
Concluding the awards, ALPA named Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) Airport of the Year for its collaborative approach to keep aviation safety the top priority by regularly seeking input from industry stakeholders.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 57,000 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