Release #13.58
November 7, 2013

ALPA Applauds FAA Announcement of Unmanned Aircraft Systems Integration Plan

WASHINGTON—Today, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement regarding the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA’s) release of a roadmap and comprehensive plan for the integration of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA’s) into the national airspace system (NAS).

“ALPA supports today’s announcements made by FAA Administrator Michael Huerta; we also applaud the FAA and our industry partners for taking a safety-first approach on the issue of integrating RPA into the civil airspace. The new roadmap, comprehensive plan, and their supporting documents reflect a well-thought-out and methodical approach to ensuring the safety of pilots, passengers and the general public.

“As pointed out by the administrator, the center of that methodical approach is recognizing the need for well-trained and qualified pilots to operate these RPA from the ground. We also commend Administrator Huerta’s proactive stance toward defining the parameters for integrating these aircraft into the national airspace system, and we support the way that the administrator has incorporated many of the recommendations set forth by ALPA.”

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