Release #: 16.33
August 25, 2016

ALPA Awards Top Security Honor to FedEx Express Captain Richard B. Odbert

Columbus Pilot Recognized for Contributions Toward Enhancing Flight Deck Security

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) announced that it will present its highest security honor, the Aviation Security Award, to FedEx Express Capt. Richard B. Odbert. In conjunction with ALPA’s 62nd Air Safety Forum in Washington, D.C., Capt. Odbert will be recognized today for his significant accomplishments in increasing cockpit security for crewmembers.

“Capt. Odbert’s dedication to his fellow crewmembers is a testament to his commitment to advancing the piloting profession,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA president. “Through the ‘No Pilot Left Behind’ campaign, Capt. Odbert has helped to ensure that pilots who rely on commuting to and from work have timely and efficient access to flight deck jumpseats.”

Serving as ALPA’s National Jumpseat Council chairman since 2008, Capt. Odbert has been involved in enhancing flight deck security, including several policies that are widely used throughout the industry today. Capt. Odbert was an early advocate and strong proponent for the development and implementation of several high-profile security programs such as Known Crewmember and the Cockpit Access Security System. His professional experience and knowledge has served as a valuable resource for many top-level decision makers, and he has authored various white papers that have directly influenced approvals for international jumpseating procedures.

“Because of the many contributions of pilot volunteers like Capt. Odbert, ALPA has been on the forefront of enacting positive change within many key aviation security programs. It is particularly meaningful that we recognize his tremendous leadership and fierce advocacy for his fellow crewmembers during our union’s premier safety and security event,” added Canoll.

After becoming involved in jumpseat issues at FedEx in 2002, Capt. Odbert identified the need for a central location for pilots to access policies at airlines across the country. These efforts, in addition to his leadership in numerous other projects that increased flight deck security, launched the ‘No Pilot Left Behind’ campaign and helped establish jumpseatinfo.org, a vital resource for all airline pilots.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents over 54,000 pilots at 31 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703-481-4440 or Media@alpa.org