Air Safety Organization Update
ALPA Announces New Aviation Jumpseat and Pilot Assistance Chairmen
In October 2017, ALPA’s Executive Board passed a resolution to form a new Aviation Jumpseat structure within the Air Safety Organization (ASO). After careful consideration, and with the approval of Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, and the recent confirmation by ALPA’s Executive Council, Capt. Rich Odbert (FedEx Express) has been named the first Aviation Jumpseat chair. In addition, F/O John Taylor (United) has been approved and confirmed as the next Pilot Assistance chair.
Both new chairs will report directly to Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA’s first vice president and national safety coordinator, as do the Aviation Safety and Aviation Security chairs.
Odbert brings a strong history of advancing access to the jumpseat since 2002, including his role as the Jumpseat chair within the Aviation Security structure. He’s a former Jumpseat Council chair and was a strong proponent of developing and implementing several high-profile security programs, including Known Crewmember® and the Cockpit Access Security System. Odbert is a staunch defender of captain’s authority and was instrumental in launching the “No Pilot Left Behind” campaign and also helped establish www.jumpseatinfo.org. The new structure will help ensure that ALPA remains the preeminent voice in protecting and expanding the jumpseat in the post-9/11 world. In addition to protecting and promoting the jumpseat, Odbert will serve as a subject-matter expert to ALPA’s Collective Bargaining Committee.
Prior to being named Pilot Assistance chair, Taylor served as a member of the ASO in his role as Aeromedical chair. In addition to being a pilot, he’s also a registered nurse and continues to serve as a health-care professional on a part-time basis. “I’m confident that John will excel in this broader role and continue the strong tradition of caring for our fellow pilots as his predecessors have done,” said DePete.
