Every day, millions of airline passengers and tons of cargo arrive safely at their destinations thanks to the hard work, training, and experience of ALPA pilots.
Over the past few weeks, our pilots have been exceptionally busy bringing loved ones together and transporting packages in time for the holidays. As you prepare to board your next flight, consider these top three reasons to #ThankAPilot this holiday season.
#ThankAPilot for keeping our skies the safest in the world:
Did you know? Airline travel is currently the safest mode of transportation in the world. That’s due, in large part, to the work of pilots who fought for new rules on pilot training, experience, and qualifications as part of the The Airline Safety and Federal Aviation Administration Act of 2010. The results speak for themselves—since this law was enacted, there have been zero U.S. airline passenger fatalities. Thanks to professional pilots, the safest places on earth will always be in the air.
#ThankAPilot for seeing what airline passengers can’t see:
A professional pilot’s workday is anything but routine and it starts long before you board the plane. Before every flight, pilots personally inspect their aircraft from top to bottom, confirming that all systems are in working order. They coordinate and conduct a fast-paced and orchestrated myriad of tasks with ground handlers, gate agents, operations management, air traffic controllers and others even before the aircraft is pushed back from the gate. Once your flight is airborne, they will make critical decisions quickly, based on judgment developed from years of experience, and use the latest flight deck technology to communicate, navigate and fly their aircraft safely to its intended destination. Along the way, your flight crew is prepared to deal with whatever may arise, including icy conditions, turbulence, wind shear, thunderstorms, and hail.
#ThankAPilot for providing round-the-clock service so you can enjoy the holidays:
Every airport embrace at the arrival gate is made possible by a pilot. Pilots bring families together around holiday tables. Pilots even help Santa transport gifts to be wrapped up with bows and placed under Christmas trees. Pilots make the holidays happen.
Many of ALPA’s pilots at 33 airlines will be working on Christmas Day in the United States and Canada. These dedicated professionals are there for you 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Skilled pilots are the backbone of the aviation industry, and commercial aviation could not exist without them. ALPA is grateful for each and every one of our pilots. During the holidays, and all throughout the year, there are so many reasons to #ThankAPilot.
Visit trainedforlife.alpa.org to learn more about what it takes to transport people and cargo safely seven miles above the earth.