Weighing In: Climbing Higher
By Capt. Joe DePete, ALPA First Vice President
ALPA is the preeminent pilot union in the world, and our top-notch pilot representatives and staff who advocate on behalf of our profession continue to make significant gains on all fronts, including safety, security, jumpseat, and pilot assistance.
Through the work of our Air Safety Organization (ASO) representatives and expert professional staff and their collaboration with other industry and government stakeholders, we’re currently experiencing one of the safest periods in the history of air transport.
So how do we make what is already the safest and most secure air transportation system in the world even safer and more secure for our passengers, our cargo, and the next generation of aviators?
It starts with us—airline pilots who fly the line day in and day out and act as “the conscience of the industry.” More than 420 pilot representatives volunteer their time and talents to ALPA’s ASO. Their experience, expertise, and enthusiasm fuel our advocacy efforts, add strength to our determination, and give voice to our pledge to maintain a safe and secure air transportation system. The pilots of ALPA—the world’s largest nongovernmental aviation safety organization—have led the way for more than 87 years to advocate for measures that help keep our skies safe and secure.
Gatherings like the Association’s Air Safety Forum, now in its 64th year, are vital to our efforts. In addition to being an opportunity for us to meet, share our activities with our peers, and exchange experiences, this year’s four-day event features panels and discussions with aviation safety and security experts, technical and educational exhibits, and more.
Invited keynote speakers at this year’s forum, which takes place July 30–August 2, include FAA Acting Administrator Dan Elwell, Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration Administrator Howard “Skip” Elliott, Sen. Tammy Duckworth (D-IL), Sen. Bob Casey (D-PA), and the National Air Traffic Controllers Association President Paul Rinaldi. Their thought-provoking addresses will include insights and perspectives on topics such as undeclared dangerous goods, the effects of present and future commercial space operations on the national airspace system, and much more.
For me, one of the highlights of ALPA’s annual Air Safety Forum is recognizing our volunteers and pilots who’ve gone above and beyond in their service to aviation safety, security, pilot assistance, and jumpseat issues, as well as honoring those who’ve exhibited superior airmanship while facing challenging situations flying the line. I’m always humbled by the achievements of our dedicated and selfless volunteers and the exemplary skills of our members, and this year is no exception.
At the forum, we will officially launch ALPA’s Pilot Peer Support program. Helping fellow pilots is at the very core of our union, and this program will provide support to our members who are dealing with issues in their personal lives that could affect their professional performance. Administered by the Aeromedical Group within the Association’s ASO, the Pilot Peer Support program has been peer reviewed and is the result of hundreds of hours of research and dedication by dozens of pilots and staff—and I’m proud to be a part of this new initiative. You can read more about the program here.
Even though our industry and the airline piloting profession are currently experiencing favorable conditions and blue skies, we must be prepared for whatever challenges may loom on the horizon. The nature of our work doesn’t allow for complacency. We must remain ever vigilant, watching for threats, understanding and managing risks, taking advantages of opportunities, and advocating on behalf of the entire airline industry.
This is what our founders did when they gathered to form the Air Line Pilots Association 87 years ago. And we must continue to advance the profession for those pilots who will carry on after us. It’s our responsibility to improve the industry and the careers of the next generation of airline pilots and to make our skies even more safe and secure.
