Release #: 17.40
July 20, 2017

ALPA Honors Capt. Mike Wickboldt as Outstanding Airport Safety Liaison

Spirit Airlines Pilot Recognized for Advancing Highest Aviation Safety Standards

Capt. Mike Wickboldt receives the 2016 ALPA Airport Safety Liaison Award.

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today recognized Spirit Airlines Capt. Mike Wickboldt with its Outstanding Airport Safety Liaison award for his efforts to advance the highest standards of aviation safety at Las Vegas’ McCarran International Airport.

“For years, Capt. Wickboldt has worked with local stakeholders to ensure that, as commercial areas near the airport continue to develop, we keep the importance of maintaining the highest possible standards of aviation safety for the passengers and air cargo shippers who depend on air transportation at the forefront of discussions,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, who presented the award today at ALPA’s 63rd Air Safety Forum in Washington, D.C.

In addition to his role as director of ALPA’s Accident Investigation Course and participation in National Transportation Safety Board accident investigations, Capt. Wickboldt has actively engaged local airport leaders to address the effects of future real estate development. After new Las Vegas sports franchises were announced, proposed locations for a new stadium and arena presented possible challenges for aircraft landing and departing. Capt. Wickboldt quickly developed good working relationships with airport stakeholders to ensure that the line-pilot perspective was considered in all proposals.

“Pilots across the country rely on ALPA’s airport safety liaisons to be the voice of their profession at airports nationwide. We are thankful for Capt. Wickboldt’s efforts to ensure that the pilots continue to be a driving factor in all matters that could impact the area in which we work,” added Canoll. 

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