Emily (Hanrahan) Howell Warner, 80, passed away on July 3, 2020, leaving behind a remarkable career and a legacy as a trailblazer for women in aviation. Hired to fly for Frontier Airlines in 1973, she became the first female pilot to fly jets on a permanent basis for a U.S. carrier.

On the night of Feb. 12, 2009, Colgan Air Flight 3407, operating as a Continental Connection flight, crashed on approach to Buffalo, N.Y. Fifty people were fatally injured that night, including all four crewmembers, the 45 passengers, and one individual on the ground.

The crash was the last in a series of four high-profile fatal airline accidents over a six-year timeframe in the United States, and the ensuing investigation introduced serious questions regarding numerous safety issues within the airline industry. As a result, several notable safety advancements were enacted in the wake of the Colgan crash, including an increase in pilot training, qualifications, and experience requirements.

The Association’s 63,000-plus members routinely travel to the four corners of the world. From the crowded Los Angeles, Calif., air corridor to the sparse tarmac of Resolute Bay Airport serving Resolute, Nunavut, ALPA pilots safely transport passengers and cargo on thousands of flights per day—all while sharing the airspace with commercial space operations and unmanned aircraft systems.

Special Guest Commentary By F/O Costas Sivyllis (United), Chairman, ALPA Education Committee

Those first signs of fall are in the air, and that means it's time for students to head back to school. Hopefully, this summer included vacations and time with family, friends, fun, and even airplane rides. As summer ends, ALPA's Education Committee is busy preparing for the new school year. We have big plans to inspire the next generation of airline pilots and give them the resources, tools, and career advice they need to pursue a job in the airline industry.

 

Independence Day is a time for the nation to celebrate freedom and reflect on American values. And this Fourth of July, as a record number of individuals will be flying our red, white, and blue skies, we continue our work to protect American aviation jobs—and you can help.