Release #: 16.28
August 25, 2016

United Airlines First Officer Steve Demko Awarded with ALPA’s Presidential Citation

Seymour Pilot Honored for Commitment to Enhancing Aviation Safety

WASHINGTON, D.C.—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) today recognized United Airlines First Officer Steve Demko with a Presidential Citation for his outstanding efforts to improve aviation safety. The award was presented during ALPA’s 62nd Air Safety Forum in Washington, D.C.

As a former air safety investigator with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), First Officer Demko brought his accident investigation expertise to ALPA and has used his experience to further develop ALPA’s accident investigation training courses.

“As an expert in the field of accident investigation, First Officer Demko has helped enhance ALPA’s stellar safety reputation through his extensive efforts,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA president. “His dedication to ensuring that our industry continues to learn from various aviation accidents and incidents and apply those lessons accordingly helps ensure that the U.S. continues to have one of the safest air transport systems in the world.”

“First Officer Demko carries on a long tradition of United pilots working to enhance and improve the safety of the airline industry,” said United MEC Chairman Capt. Todd Insler. “His background, experience and devotion to air safety have helped make the skies safer for our pilots and our passengers. All ALPA pilots continue to benefit from First Officer Demko’s work, and this Presidential Citation is well earned.”

In addition to his NTSB work, First Officer Demko has been involved with ALPA’s Safety Committee for nearly 10 years. His unparalleled experience made him the perfect candidate to lead ALPA’s Advanced Accident Investigation course, which provides pilot attendees with hands-on training in order to prepare them to participate in a NTSB or Transportation Safety Board of Canada (TSB) investigation.

“First Officer Demko’s drive, determination, and knowledge has helped prepare a new generation of accident investigators who will continue ALPA’s long-standing commitment to advancing safety,” added Canoll.

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