Release #: 19.14
May 23, 2019

United Airlines Pilot Honored for Advancing Airline Pilot Wellness

WASHINGTON, D.C.—At its biennial Pilot Assistance Forum today, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) recognized Capt. Ben Kalom for his extraordinary service in leading health and wellness programs for United Airlines pilots. For nearly three decades, Capt. Kalom has actively assisted his fellow professionals by ensuring that airline pilots have access to important programs that improve their lives both on duty and at home.

“Through his efforts on ALPA’s Aeromedical Committee, Capt. Kalom has been a strong advocate for the well-being of his flying partners,” said ALPA president Capt. Joe DePete. “There is no doubt that he has directly impacted the lives of innumerable pilots through his work.”

As an ALPA volunteer working on issues concerning pilot health, Capt. Kalom identified the need for pilots at United Airlines to have access to resources that would help them deal with work- and nonwork-related issues. In 2018, these efforts led to the establishment of the Support Outreach Assistance Resources program, a valuable peer-supported resource available to all United pilots.

“Capt. Kalom personifies the motto of ‘Pilots Helping Pilots,’” said Capt. Todd Insler, chairman of the United Master Executive Council. “His unselfish approach to his profession continues to help improve the lives of his fellow pilots and their families. His hard work and determination are shining examples of what ALPA volunteers can accomplish.”

A pilot for more than 43 years, Capt. Kalom’s career includes serving as a pilot instructor for both single- and multi-engine aircraft as well as working for Britt Airways, Continental Express, Continental Airlines, and United Airlines. He received a BS in biology from DePaul University and an MS in microbiology and immunology from the University of Illinois at Chicago. He has also completed training as an alcohol and drug abuse counselor. 

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 62,000 pilots at 33 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

-###-

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