Release #: 24.22
September 12, 2024
ALPA’s Superior Airmanship Award Underscores Importance of Two Pilots on the Flight Deck
WASHINGTON—Today, at the Association’s 68th Air Safety Forum, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) honored the crews of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 and FedEx Express Flight 1432 and recognized their heroic actions that saved the lives of hundreds of passengers. When faced with major in-flight challenges, these crews led by example and exemplified determination and courage.
The crew of Alaska Airlines Flight 1282 is being awarded the ALPA’s Superior Airmanship Award in recognition of the skill and professionalism demonstrated when their aircraft experienced rapid depressurization caused by the left mid exit door plug blowing out. The captain and First Officer Emily Wiprud relied on their extensive training and experience, responded promptly to the in-flight emergency, and safely returned the damaged aircraft with all passengers and crews alive.
Captain Hugo Carvajal and First Officer Robert Bradeen Jr. were awarded the Superior Airmanship Award for their extraordinary execution of a go-around that avoided a collision with another aircraft taking off on the same runway. The crew of FedEx Express Flight 1432 maintained vigilance and responded immediately to an extremely dangerous startle event, relying on their extensive training and experience to avert disaster.
“These events make crystal clear how critically important is that we maintain the two-pilot standard that we currently have here in the United States. It’s helped lead to the safest skies in the world,” said Capt. Jason Ambrosi, ALPA president. “Remarkably, some corporate special interests are pushing to change that standard and lower the safety bar by allowing commercial flights to operate with only one pilot. This is a dangerous idea, and ALPA is committed to fighting it at every step of the way. We’ve learned the hard way that putting profit ahead of safety is never a good idea, and that’s why we must all join together to stop this bad idea from ever seeing the light of day.”
Read more about these events and other recipients of awards at this year’s Air Safety Forum.
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 78,000 pilots at 41 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us on Twitter @ALPAPilots.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org