Moak Meets with Acting FAA Administrator
January 26, 2012 - Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, met with Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta Wednesday to discuss the recently released FAA flight and duty regulations and the unacceptable exclusion of cargo airline pilots from these otherwise science-based regulations.

ALPA’s directors of Government Affairs and Engineering and Air Safety accompanied Moak, who stressed the Association’s top priority to include cargo pilots in the new regulations and called on the FAA and DOT to fulfill their pledge to push the cargo airlines to opt into the new regulations. Moak also took the opportunity to share with the acting administrator the actions the Association has taken since the new rule was announced.
CAL MEC Hosts CIRP Training
January 26, 2012 - The Continental MEC and ALPA Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) sponsored recurrent training this week in Houston for active CIRP volunteers, and group and individual crisis intervention (GRIN) training for new CIRP volunteers. Highlights of the week included presentation of the Continental CIRP Volunteer of the Year award to Jim Patton (2011), with formal recognition and presentations also for previous recipients Terry Adams (2010) and Eric King (2009).
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Short-Term Extension Necessary for Final FAA Reauthorization
January 24, 2012 - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, ensuring that funding for the agency will continue beyond January 31, when the previous FAA extension expires. The U.S. Senate is expected to pass a short-term extension later this week.
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ALPA Attends U.S. State of the Union Address
Moak Urges President Obama to Level the Playing Field for U.S. Airlines
January 24, 2012 - ALPA president Capt. Lee Moak has been invited to be a guest at tonight’s State of the Union address. Going into the annual speech, Moak urged President Obama to focus on international competition in air transportation and how best to position the United States, and specifically the workforce of U.S. airlines, to compete to win in the global marketplace.
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ALPA Pilots Working for One Level of Safety, Cargo Inclusion in FAR 117
January 24, 2012 - More than a dozen pilots from a number of ALPA pilot groups have been in Washington, D.C., working with ALPA Government Affairs staff aggressively lobbying members of Congress in support of “One Level of Safety” for cargo and passenger pilots. In just two weeks, ALPA pilots met face-to-face with more than 50 congressional offices on this important issue, advocating for legislation to include cargo operations in the new FAR 117 pilot fatigue rule.

ALPA pilots are also hand-delivering a letter from Capt. Moak urging Congress to complete work on the FAA reauthorization bill. ALPA’s work to include cargo operations on the new pilot fatigue rule will be ongoing, with pilots regularly visiting Capitol Hill to advocate for One Level of Safety.
ALPA Applauds Compromise on FAA Reauthorization
Largest Pilot Union in the World Pushes for Final Multi-Year Bill
January 21, 2012 - Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued a statement following the announcement of a compromise between the U.S. House and Senate that sets the stage for passing a long-term multi-year Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill.
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ALPA Supports President’s Initiative to Streamline Visa Process
Initiative Has Strong Potential to Benefit U.S. Pilots and the Airline Industry
January 19, 2012 - The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) applauds President Obama’s initiative to boost international travel to the United States by establishing an expedited, but secure, visa process for low-risk travelers.
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Mesa Air Group Pilots Elect New Leaders
January 25, 2012 - Pilot leaders at Mesa Air Group , which is represented by the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), unanimously elected officers to spearhead the union’s efforts. First Officer Marcin Kolodziejczyk was re-elected as the chairman, First Officer Jez Ingram-Clay was re-elected as the vice chairman, and Captain Darrell Cox was elected as the secretary-treasurer. The officers’ new two-year terms will begin in March 2012.
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EGL Stages Successful Family Awareness Event in SJU
January 17, 2012 - The American Eagle Strategic Planning Committee (SPC) launched an educational campaign supported by the EGL Master Executive Council this month. The campaign, designed to inform EGL pilots on the bankruptcy and Section 1113 processes, also provides opportunities to answer pilot questions on the vacancy and displacement bids announced at Eagle and dispel any rumors that are floating around the property.
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FDX Pilots Secure Across-the-Board Raise
January 5, 2012 - The FedEx pilots’ current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), which was ratified in March 2011, provided a unique duration clause that allows ALPA to make the decision to reenter Section 6 negotiations after 12 months or extend the agreement an additional 12 months, while securing a 3 percent across-the-board raise for 2012. This week, the FDX MEC held a special MEC meeting with the agenda largely focused on the decision to either make the CBA amendable in early 2012 in lieu of retaining the 3 percent across-the-board raise for 2012 or retaining the 3 percent raise for 2012 and continuing in interim discussions throughout 2012.
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FedEx Pilots Respond to Release of Pilot Fatigue Rule
December 22, 2011 - The FedEx Master Executive Council (MEC), the FedEx branch of the Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA), issued the following press release concerning the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) final regulations regarding airline pilot flight- and duty-time limitations and minimum rest requirements.

 “The release yesterday of the Federal Aviation Administration’s long-awaited science-based fatigue rule for flight and duty time was a political failure. The rule completely ignores the safety of cargo pilots and instead lets operators choose to ignore the safety improvements that will benefit pilots carrying passengers.”
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ALA Pilots, Part of Santa’s Posse
December 20, 2011 - An empty, former Best Buy in Vancouver, Wash., became a hub of holiday activity last Thursday night as Santa’s Posse worked to fulfill Christmas wishes for 500 families in need.
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Santa Flies with Special Kids
December 20, 2011 - Santa brought smiles to the faces of children waiting to greet him as he arrived in a Jazz Dash 8. For decades, Jazz has been flying Santa (this year, flight attendant Mike Griffiths) and children from Canuck Place and other local charities on a series of flights over downtown Victoria and Vancouver.
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Annual Cleveland Event a Tremendous Success
December 15, 2011 - Cleveland was the place to be last weekend as ALPA pilots from CommutAir, Continental, and ExpressJet gathered for the third annual Joint LEC Meeting. With more than 100 people in attendance, this highly anticipated event was a tremendous success. Pilots and their families received updates on base-specific issues while enjoying great food, fun activities, and socializing with their fellow ALPA brethren.
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CAL MEC Hosts CIRP Training
January 26, 2012 - The Continental MEC and ALPA Critical Incident Response Program (CIRP) sponsored recurrent training this week in Houston for active CIRP volunteers, and group and individual crisis intervention (GRIN) training for new CIRP volunteers. Highlights of the week included presentation of the Continental CIRP Volunteer of the Year award to Jim Patton (2011), with formal recognition and presentations also for previous recipients Terry Adams (2010) and Eric King (2009).
Read More...
ALPA Pilots Working for One Level of Safety, Cargo Inclusion in FAR 117
January 24, 2012 - More than a dozen pilots from a number of ALPA pilot groups have been in Washington, D.C., working with ALPA Government Affairs staff aggressively lobbying members of Congress in support of “One Level of Safety” for cargo and passenger pilots. In just two weeks, ALPA pilots met face-to-face with more than 50 congressional offices on this important issue, advocating for legislation to include cargo operations in the new FAR 117 pilot fatigue rule.

ALPA pilots are also hand-delivering a letter from Capt. Moak urging Congress to complete work on the FAA reauthorization bill. ALPA’s work to include cargo operations on the new pilot fatigue rule will be ongoing, with pilots regularly visiting Capitol Hill to advocate for One Level of Safety.
ALPA Security Leadership Meets with FAMS
January 19, 2012 - ALPA’s first vice president and national safety coordinator, Capt. Sean Cassidy (ALA), and aviation security chairman, Capt. Fred Eissler (FDX), met with Federal Air Marshal Service (FAMS) leaders in Reston, Va., on Tuesday, January 17. ALPA representatives, FAMS Director Robert Bray, and Assistant Director for Flight Operations Brett Gunter discussed issues of mutual interest, including future goals and management of the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program.

Discussions addressed concerns raised during the most recent FFDO stakeholder meeting in November 2011. The exchange resulted in the FAMS agreeing to not implement some of the FFDO program’s standard operating procedure changes that were opposed by ALPA. These discussions also included improvements supported by ALPA and commitments to revisit additional issues of concern through future meetings. Details will be made available directly to FFDOs by FAMS leadership.
ALPA Presents Security Positions at Airports Conference
January 19, 2012 - ALPA’s aviation security chairman, Capt. Fred Eissler (FDX), represented the Association’s security interests at the American Association of Airport Executives’ (AAAEs’) 26th annual Aviation Issues Conference January 9–12, 2012. Serving as a panelist during the conference’s aviation security session, Eissler articulated ALPA’s views on the Known Crewmember program, Threatened Airspace Management initiative, and other security matters of critical interest to ALPA pilots.

Working with Eissler were Capt. Mike Coffield (CAL) and Jim Andresakes of ALPA’s Engineering and Air Safety Department. The conference offered additional value in providing opportunities for networking with representatives of the federal government, airports, and airlines. ALPA was successful in stressing the need for and value in better communication with pilots-in-command during ongoing aviation security events and offered to provide pilot expertise during airport tabletop exercises.
The International Directory
ALPA’s Air Safety Department has issued an International Directory for international pilots. The Directory includes known expectations of authorities, a listing of major IFALPA associations’ contact information, and U.S. and Canadian government contact information for every country of the world. ALPA Members: you must log in to the members-only website to access this document.
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Volcanic Ash and Aviation Safety
ALPA Safety, through its Volcanic Ash project under the Air Traffic Services Group, has devoted years to expanding its database of operationally relevant information on this potential hazard and improving the warning system necessary to reduce unplanned encounters of hazardous ash clouds. This new website provides information for greater awareness, recommended practices for avoidance, and what to do in the event of an unexpected encounter. Pertinent videos, maps, and briefings about this dangerous yet fascinating natural phenomenon are included.
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Moak Meets with Acting FAA Administrator
January 26, 2012 - Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l, met with Acting FAA Administrator Michael Huerta Wednesday to discuss the recently released FAA flight and duty regulations and the unacceptable exclusion of cargo airline pilots from these otherwise science-based regulations.

ALPA’s directors of Government Affairs and Engineering and Air Safety accompanied Moak, who stressed the Association’s top priority to include cargo pilots in the new regulations and called on the FAA and DOT to fulfill their pledge to push the cargo airlines to opt into the new regulations. Moak also took the opportunity to share with the acting administrator the actions the Association has taken since the new rule was announced.
Short-Term Extension Necessary for Final FAA Reauthorization
January 24, 2012 - The U.S. House of Representatives today passed a short-term extension of the Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization, ensuring that funding for the agency will continue beyond January 31, when the previous FAA extension expires. The U.S. Senate is expected to pass a short-term extension later this week.
Read More...
ALPA Attends U.S. State of the Union Address
Moak Urges President Obama to Level the Playing Field for U.S. Airlines
January 24, 2012 - ALPA president Capt. Lee Moak has been invited to be a guest at tonight’s State of the Union address. Going into the annual speech, Moak urged President Obama to focus on international competition in air transportation and how best to position the United States, and specifically the workforce of U.S. airlines, to compete to win in the global marketplace.
Read More...
ALPA Pilots Working for One Level of Safety, Cargo Inclusion in FAR 117
January 24, 2012 - More than a dozen pilots from a number of ALPA pilot groups have been in Washington, D.C., working with ALPA Government Affairs staff aggressively lobbying members of Congress in support of “One Level of Safety” for cargo and passenger pilots. In just two weeks, ALPA pilots met face-to-face with more than 50 congressional offices on this important issue, advocating for legislation to include cargo operations in the new FAR 117 pilot fatigue rule.

ALPA pilots are also hand-delivering a letter from Capt. Moak urging Congress to complete work on the FAA reauthorization bill. ALPA’s work to include cargo operations on the new pilot fatigue rule will be ongoing, with pilots regularly visiting Capitol Hill to advocate for One Level of Safety.
ALPA Applauds Compromise on FAA Reauthorization
Largest Pilot Union in the World Pushes for Final Multi-Year Bill
January 21, 2012 - Capt. Lee Moak, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), issued a statement following the announcement of a compromise between the U.S. House and Senate that sets the stage for passing a long-term multi-year Federal Aviation Administration reauthorization bill.
Read More...
Work Connects Us All
January 19, 2012 - “Work Connects Us All” is the message of a new AFL-CIO campaign, which includes television advertisements to emphasize the shared values of America’s workers.
• Watch the current advertisement.
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ALPA Supports President’s Initiative to Streamline Visa Process
Initiative Has Strong Potential to Benefit U.S. Pilots and the Airline Industry
January 19, 2012 - The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) applauds President Obama’s initiative to boost international travel to the United States by establishing an expedited, but secure, visa process for low-risk travelers.
Read More...
Security Training Course
February, 14-15, 2012
Menger Hotel, San Antonio, TX

The Security Training Course (STC) runs concurrent with the Basic Safety School (BSS). The first day’s curriculum brings together students from both disciplines for training that is designed to help them understand how to best function as an ALPA volunteer. On the second day, STC students break out for specific training related to managing security issues at the MEC level. The course offers a valuable opportunity for MEC security committee representatives to better serve the security needs of their MEC’s membership. It will provide attendees with a working knowledge of: ALPA protocols; a methodology for handling security-related matters; a familiarity with the ALPA security structure’s composition, role and activities; the Security Council and the interrelationship between MECs and ALPA National security structure. Dozens of MEC security representatives have taken advantage of this training since 2003 and have given the course very positive reviews. Click here to register.
Basic Safety School
February 14-16, 2012
Menger Hotel
San Antonio, TX

BSS consists of two individual modules in the safety-training curriculum: Safety One (SA-1) and Accident/Incident Investigation One (AI-1). SA-1 provides a formal introduction for pilot volunteers regarding working within the ALPA Air Safety structure. AI-1 provides ALPA pilots with an introduction to accident/incident investigation. Please note that the course is designed to assist new air safety representatives including: Central Air Safety Chairmen (CASC), Local Air Safety Chairmen (LASC), and Accident/Incident Investigators (AII) in identifying and carrying out their responsibilities to their own Master Executive Council. The tentative agenda will be available online on the Air Safety web page under the “safety training” tab and “catalogue” listing for BSS. Register online.
Safety Council & Training Council Meeting
February 21-23, 2012
Herndon, VA

The 2nd meeting of the Safety Council and the 23rd meeting of the Training Council will be held at the Crowne Plaza-Dulles Airport Hotel in Herndon, VA. The two groups will meet separately on the 21st then combine for a joint session on the 22nd and meet separately again on the 23rd. The Central Air Safety Chairmen from each ALPA MEC is invited to attend the Safety Council meeting and the Training Committee Chairman or person responsible for pilot training at your MEC are invited to attend the Training Council meeting. Register online.
Security Council/Jumpseat Council Meeting
March 13-14, 2012
Herndon, VA

The ALPA Security Council and Jumpseat Council meetings will be held at the Crowne Plaza-Dulles Airport Hotel in Herndon, VA March 13-14, 2012. The two groups will meet jointly on the morning of March 13th from 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM, and then break out for individual meetings from 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM. A dinner has been planned for both groups the night of the 13th from 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM. On March 14th both groups will meet jointly starting at 8:00 AM and ending at 3:00 PM. The Security Chairman (or designee) from each ALPA MEC is invited to attend the Security Council meeting and the Jumpseat Chairman (or designee) from each ALPA MEC is invited to attend the Jumpseat Council meeting. Register online.