The History We Don’t Know

On this fourteenth anniversary of the 9/11 attacks, ALPA pilots have no need to retell the story that all of us know so painfully well.

That terrible day, ALPA members lost coworkers, friends, and family members. Many were aboard American Airlines Flight 11, United Airlines Flight 175, American Airlines Flight 77, and United Airlines Flight 93. And many were among the nearly 3,000 individuals on the ground who lost their lives trying to help others or simply found themselves in harm’s way.

On this date of remembrance of the past, it is equally important to recognize that every day since the attack has served as a living testament of our resiliency as a people. Beyond acknowledging the sacrifice of those we lost, we who are the guardians of their legacy have moved forward to rebuild our nation and our industry in their honor.

We have emerged from those horrific attacks stronger—even more mindful of the threats that exist. As professional airline pilots, ALPA members are determined to be vigilant, and to deliberately and purposefully pursue a safer and more secure air transportation system.

Evidence of this determination abounds and is reflected in ALPA’s efforts such as urging government and industry to install reinforced cockpit doors on passenger aircraft, create the Federal Flight Deck Officer program, and embrace a threat-based approach to aviation security, resulting in the Known Crewmember program. 

But our work is not finished. Unacceptable gaps still exist in air cargo security, such as inadequate background checks of individuals with access to aircraft. Cockpit secondary barriers need to be mandated. And we continue to press for safer standards for operating remotely piloted aircraft. 

Today, our industry is far safer and more secure than it was 14 years ago. But we can never afford to be complacent because we will never completely eliminate risk. Our methods and strategies must evolve to meet the needs of an ever-changing world.

Harry Truman once said, “The only thing new in the world is the history you don’t know.” And with the counsel of these words, we owe it to our profession to never forget the lessons of 9/11. ALPA members never will.