Release #13.24
May 6, 2013

ALPA Conference to Explore Challenges, Solutions to Aviation Ops in Harsh Environments
ALPA, lead legislative and aviation officials to weigh in at event.

OTTAWA—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) will be joined by top legislative and aviation regulatory officials, operators, and service providers to discuss the challenges of aviation operations in the high Arctic and similar remote locations at the Association’s Operations at Remote Airports Conference in Ottawa on May 29. Members of the media are invited to attend.

• Event: Operations at Remote Airports Conference (view site for a complete list of participants)
• Time & Date: 8:30 a.m.-4:45 p.m., Wednesday, May 29
• Location: Ottawa Marriott, 100 Kent St., Ottawa, ON K1P 5R7, Canada

The crash of First Air Flight 6560 at Resolute Bay Airport in Canada—600 miles north of the Arctic Circle—in 2011 was a tragic reminder of the challenges of flying in these harsh environments. Of the 15 people on board the aircraft, 12 were killed including the entire crew.

As a result of this accident, ALPA President Capt. Lee Moak established the President’s Committee for Remote Operations (PCRO). Chaired by Capt. Peter Black (First Air), the PCRO is charged with reviewing and identifying safety and operational improvements in the far north of Canada and the United States. Issues identified by the committee will be discussed at the conference and members will facilitate the open forum discussions.

Leaders from ALPA’s Canada Board, Air Transport Association of Canada, Transport Canada, Transportation Safety Board of Canada, Canadian Air Line Dispatchers Association, NAV CANADA, Northern Air Transport Association, Federal Aviation Administration, Airlines for America, Canadian territorial governments as well as Canadian Senator Dennis Dawson among others will also be joining the conversation. Discussions will focus on safety and related issues that arise when conducting air carrier operations at remote airport locations, including:

• Airport infrastructure issues
• Operational considerations
• Regulatory and legislative support for safe operations
• Future considerations

Members of the media who have questions or those who plan to attend the event are encouraged to contact 703-481-4440 or email Media@alpa.org.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 50,000 pilots at 33 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org.

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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or Media@alpa.org