Pictured here (l–r): Capt. Tabet, F/O Knight, and Capt. Evans ready to launch airline pilot careers at the RTAG convention

ALPA's Membership and Veterans Affairs committees joined 1,200 future airline pilots and approximately 65 industry vendors at the Rotary to Airline Group (RTAG) Convention on October 12 at Fort Rucker—the home of Army Aviation—in Enterprise, Ala.

Throughout the day, Capt. Fred Evans (CMT), F/O Dan Knight (TSA), and Capt. John Tabet (SPA) had an opportunity to speak with many attendees about ALPA and the benefits of union membership. They also promoted ALPA's Military-to-Airline Transition Guide, a new resource on the Cleared to Dream website to help prepare military pilots for a career with the airlines. The majority of attendees were active military personnel investigating career possibilities, and discussions during the convention underscored the importance of ALPA mentoring future pilots not only during their transition, but also once they join the airlines—an initiative in ALPA's strategic plan to help strengthen the connection with members.

With over 10,000 members, RTAG is the largest rotary transition association in the world. It's also the only nonprofit organization that connects military service pilots, maintenance technicians, and other highly qualified veterans with the airline industry. Cofounders F/O Erik Sabiston (CMT), F/O Joshua Lee (FFT), and F/O Tim Kirschbaum (PSA) are all proud ALPA members.

The next RTAG convention will be held in spring 2020 at Fort Hood in Killeen, Tex. ALPA will be there as a presenter and exhibitor, and we look forward to continuing our support of transitioning military pilots.