ALPA president, Capt. Tim Canoll

On Monday, ALPA’s Air Safety Organization (ASO)—the largest nongovernmental aviation safety organization in the world—discussed how to advance safety, security, and pilot assistance initiatives in today’s aviation industry during the first day of the Association’s Air Safety Forum.

ALPA president Capt. Tim Canoll and first vice president and national safety coordinator Capt. Joe DePete officially opened the Forum, welcoming hundreds of ASO pilot representatives, airline pilots, and ALPA staff. “We’ve made real progress, but we have a lot to do,” Canoll said, as he reviewed the ASO’s many initiatives—topics that the Forum will explore as the week progresses, such as transporting dangerous goods, safely incorporating UAS in our airspace, and taxiing toward safer runways.

ALPA first vice president and national safety coordinator, Capt. Joe DePete

DePete described the ASO as the “bedrock of our Association,” and thanked the organization’s many volunteers. He also acknowledged the ASO’s many accomplishments, noting that when pilot volunteers work with the Association’s professional staff, “obstacles become stepping stones, and possibilities become limitless.”

All segments of the ASO met Monday and Tuesday to discuss issues affecting line pilots today, as well as ways to continue advancing safety for the traveling public. Here are a few highlights:

• Protecting Yourself from Cockpit Laser Attacks
• Guardians of the Jumpseat: Protecting a Vital Resource
• Safety and Training: Advancing Aviation
• Dangerous Goods Meeting Examines Lithium Battery Threats
• ASO’s Safety Council: Advancing Safety for ALPA Pilots

For more information, follow along on social media using #ASF62.