ALPA Honors its Own During Air Safety Forum Awards Banquet

By Christopher Freeze, Senior Aviation Technical Writer

Airline pilots, family members, ALPA staff, and airline industry and government agency stakeholders gathered on July 20 for the Association’s 63rd Air Safety Forum awards banquet to recognize several ALPA pilots for their distinguished contributions to aviation safety and security.

“Tonight we come together to shine a light on several ALPA members who, through their remarkable actions in the cockpit or extraordinary work to advance safety and security, promote the highest standards for our industry and make this kind of performance a reality,” said Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, who hosted the event. “The pilots selected for these awards uphold ALPA’s proud tradition of leadership, volunteerism, and service to others,” he noted.

The awards banquet is the culmination of the Association’s annual Air Safety Forum, the airline industry’s preeminent safety and security gathering that spotlights issues of importance to airline pilots.

Former honorees were recognized during the awards banquet, including Capt. Helena Cunningham (Delta), standing, the 2014 Air Safety Award recipient.

Professionalism in Extraordinary Circumstances

From left, Capt. Tim Canoll, Capt. Tony Ristaino (Virgin America), F/O John Grieff (Virgin America), and Capt. Keith Louis (Virgin America).

Capt. Tony Ristaino (Virgin America) and F/O John Grieff (Virgin America) had just departed from Dallas Love Field in Texas on the morning of Oct. 27, 2016, with nearly 100 passengers and crewmembers on board, bound for New York’s LaGuardia Airport. While climbing into cloudy skies, the airplane experienced several erratic jolts at an altitude of 7,000 feet. Quickly disengaging the autopilot and leveling off, Ristaino took control of the aircraft and, along with Grieff, worked to assess the situation. They determined that the rudder, primarily responsible for controlling the airplane’s left-right direction in the air, was deflecting entirely to the left. Working together, Ristaino and Grieff developed and executed a plan to safely land the aircraft at nearby Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW).

Due to the rudder malfunction, controlling the aircraft was difficult. However, Ristaino used differential thrust to maintain effective control and counteract the rudder issue. At the same time, Grieff coordinated with air traffic control to ensure that emergency equipment was ready on the ground at DFW. Through their resourcefulness and professionalism, Ristaino and Grieff safely landed Virgin America Flight 762 approximately 10 minutes after takeoff.

The two were bestowed with ALPA’s Superior Airmanship Award for their “resourceful efforts and true professionalism” in ensuring that the flight didn’t end in tragedy.

Joining Canoll in presenting the award was Capt. Keith Louis (Virgin America), his pilot group’s Master Executive Council (MEC) vice chairman, who described the events of the flight.

Accepting the award, Ristaino stated, “The unexpected events that bring us to this award are not ones we can predict…but ones that, as professionals, we can endure with successful outcomes due to our dedication, experience, responsibility, and most of all, our promise to the safety, security, and well-being of our passengers and crews.”

Keeping the Cockpit Secure

From left, F/O Preston Greene (FedEx Express) and Capt. Wolfgang Koch (Delta).

F/O Preston Greene (FedEx Express) was honored with the Association’s Aviation Security Award for his valued guidance and extensive work to promote aviation security, specifically in the realm of air cargo.

“F/O Greene’s dedication and commitment to his fellow pilots and aviation security overall have been instrumental in achieving results that will be felt throughout ALPA and our industry for years to come,” said Canoll. “Through his dedicated efforts, F/O Greene has served as a powerful advocate for cargo pilots on numerous aviation security initiatives. It’s an honor to recognize his accomplishments with our Association’s highest security award.”

Greene has served as an expert on the Transportation Security Administration’s (TSA) Aviation Security Advisory Committee, providing aviation security recommendations on behalf of ALPA, particularly as they relate to cargo security.

During his tenure as the FedEx Express MEC Security chairman from 2012 to 2016, he worked closely with the TSA to advance risk-based screening methods and flight deck protective measures and to provide a greater understanding of emerging issues, such as the insider threat, cybersecurity, and threatened airspace management. Since May 2013, he’s served as vice chairman of ALPA’s President’s Committee for Cargo.

Upon accepting his award, Greene said, “After all the layers of security, once that main door is closed and we take off, it’s just us. We’re the ones who will have to fight the fight.... I will not stop my efforts to convince the government of [the need to rescind the cargo] carveout and that all commercial airplanes need to have hardened cockpit doors. There must be the same level of safety and security for all aircraft.”

Safer Skies for All Pilots

From left, Capt. Steve Jangelis (Delta), Capt. Charles Hogeman (United), and Capt. Tim Canoll.

Capt. Charles Hogeman (United) was bestowed with ALPA’s Air Safety Award, the Association’s top safety honor, for his vast contributions to enhancing aviation safety.

“Capt. Hogeman’s dedicated work to enhance aviation safety will have a lasting effect within our industry for decades to come,” Canoll remarked. “His passion for safety, combined with experience as a pilot instructor, has helped change the way pilots are trained today and has strengthened the safety of air travel.”

As ALPA’s Aviation Safety chairman from 2011 to 2016, Hogeman led ALPA’s efforts in advancing numerous initiatives in North America. His work to help shape and secure training and qualification standards and philosophies necessary for airline pilots has helped make Hogeman one of the leading—and most respected—advocates for the profession around the world.

Over the course of his nearly 40 years as an airline pilot, Hogeman has represented the profession on numerous industry working groups such as the Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST) and the Aviation Safety Information and Analysis Sharing (ASIAS) Executive Board, providing professional insight on a myriad of issues that affect pilots each and every day.

Canoll observed, “ALPA members, pilots around the world, and the traveling public owe Capt. Hogeman a debt of gratitude for his years of service and dedication to making the North American air transport system the safest in the world.”

Accepting the award, Hogeman remarked, “There’s an old adage that there are no politics in safety.… But I would turn that around and say that safety, security, and pilot assistance are our politics. It’s what’s important to us, and we’ll never apologize to anyone for being the strong, unwavering voice in the air safety dialogue as we work collaboratively to identify threats and risks and to develop solutions to keep the airspace safe.”

Presidential Citations

Capt. Scott Hammond (above) and F/O Matt Clark (below) receive Presidential Citations.

On the day preceding the Air Safety Forum’s awards banquet, Capt. Tim Canoll, ALPA’s president, presented two presidential citations to “pilots who have performed outstanding work on behalf of the Association and its members.” This year’s recipients were Capt. Scott Hammond (Delta) and F/O Matt Clark (Delta).

“Capt. Hammond’s dedication to his colleagues and to advancing the airline piloting profession is a stellar example of how one individual can impact an entire industry,” said Canoll. “Through his efforts on ALPA’s Safety Council, Capt. Hammond has promoted a safer environment for pilots around the globe. He’s a true asset to ALPA and a powerful advocate for aviation safety.”

In addition to his work with ALPA’s Safety Council, Hammond also serves as chairman of the Delta MEC’s Central Air Safety Committee, where he’s been a tireless advocate for aviation safety. His work in advancing safety reporting programs has resulted in a collaborative approach between the pilot group and management.

“ALPA volunteers like F/O Clark are the foundation of our union and a major component in ensuring that ALPA remains the largest, most effective nongovernmental safety organization in the world,” said Canoll. “His dedication to ensuring that pilots have the resources needed to protect the cockpit helps promote aviation security across the industry. We’re grateful for all of F/O Clark’s efforts and proud to recognize his numerous accomplishments that continue to advance the piloting profession.”

In addition to serving as chairman of the Delta MEC’s Aviation Security Committee, Clark has been a strong advocate for pilots through his role with the Critical Incident Response Program and the Delta Pilot Network.

Airport Safety Liaison Award

Capt. Mike Wickboldt receives the 2016 ALPA Airport Safety Liaison Award.

On July 20, the final day of the forum, Capt. Mike Wickboldt (Spirit) received ALPA’s Outstanding Airport Safety Liaison Award for his efforts to advance the highest standards of aviation safety at McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nev.

“For years, Capt. Wickboldt has worked with local stakeholders to ensure that, as commercial areas near the airport continue to develop, we keep the importance of maintaining the highest possible standards of aviation safety for the passengers and air cargo shippers who depend on air transportation at the forefront of discussions,” Canoll said.

Wickboldt has actively engaged local airport leaders to address the effects of future real estate development. After new Las Vegas sports franchises were announced, proposed locations for a new stadium and arena presented possible challenges for landing and departing aircraft. Wickboldt quickly developed good working relationships with airport stakeholders to ensure that the line-pilot perspective was considered in all proposals that affect the airport.

“Pilots across the country rely on ALPA’s airport safety liaisons to be the voice of their profession at airports nationwide. We’re thankful for Capt. Wickboldt’s efforts to ensure that pilots continue to be a driving factor in all matters that could impact the area in which we work,” added Canoll. 

In addition to serving as the airport safety liaison for McCarran International Airport, Wickboldt is the course director of ALPA’s Accident Investigation Course, a course instructor of ALPA’s Advanced Accident Investigation Course, and has participated in NTSB accident investigations.

Airport Recognition

During the last day of the Air Safety Forum, Dane County Regional Airport in Madison, Wis., was honored as ALPA’s 2016 Airport of the Year for its collaborative approach to keeping aviation safety its top priority by regularly seeking input from industry stakeholders.

One of the airport’s recent projects of note was the installation of a new instrument landing system on the main runway, which helps provide precision navigation guidance to approaching aircraft during adverse weather conditions. Airport officials thoroughly communicated construction plans and other airport developments to ALPA and aviation stakeholders, keeping safety at the forefront of the process and directly increasing the level of safety.

“The Dane County Regional Airport team clearly understands the importance of staying ahead of the safety curve at all times,” said Canoll. “The airport proactively solicits ALPA pilots’ expertise and feedback on numerous issues, which ultimately helps mitigate potential operational issues down the road. Dane County Regional Airport is a stellar aviation safety partner, and ALPA commends its tactical, cooperative operating philosophy.”

ALPA Pays Tribute to Capt. Don McClure

ALPA honors Capt. Don McClure (Eastern) for his years of dedication and service. From left, Capt. Tim Canoll; Donna McClure, Don’s wife; Steve McClure, Don’s son; Terri McClure, Steve’s wife; and Lori Garver.

During the Air Safety Forum awards banquet, ALPA honored Engineering & Air Safety Department staff member Capt. Don McClure (Eastern), who passed away in May. McClure served the Association for 52 years, first as a pilot representative and accident investigator for the Eastern Air Lines Master Executive Council and on ALPA’s Accident Investigation Board and later working in the Engineering & Air Safety Department.

Lori Garver, ALPA’s general manager, presented members of McClure’s family with a plaque honoring his dedicated and tireless service to his fellow pilots, sharing that “Capt. McClure was the consummate professional, a man of great integrity, and a true ALPA asset. He had a wonderful sense of humor and, although I only knew him for a brief period, I can tell you he was a great guy. He will be sorely missed.”

This article was originally published in the August 2017 issue of Air Line Pilot.