Release #14.46
June 11, 2014
ALPA Commends House Support of Federal Flight Deck Officer Program
WASHINGTON—Today, the Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA) issued the following statement expressing support for the U.S. House of Representatives Committee on Appropriations’ markup of the Department of Homeland Security’s Appropriation Bill, which opposes the proposed budget cuts to the Federal Flight Deck Officer Program contained in the administration’s proposed FY 2015 budget.
“The Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program is a proven and cost-effective tool to enhance security. ALPA stands with the House Committee on Appropriations in opposing the administration’s budget request to reduce funding for the FFDO program by $4.7 million.
“Each year, while safely and efficiently transporting passengers and cargo, thousands of fully trained and deputized ALPA pilots volunteer their time and make great personal and professional sacrifices to ensure the safety and security of the nation’s flight decks as part of the FFDO program.
“The administration’s position on funding for the FFDO program is counterintuitive to its stated value as a risk-based approach to aviation security. The FFDO program is extremely effective at improving the security of the flight deck and, as a result, ensuring the safety of those in the air and on the ground.”
Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilot union, representing more than 51,000 pilots at 32 airlines in the United States and Canada. Visit the ALPA website at www.alpa.org or follow us on Twitter @WeAreALPA.
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CONTACT: ALPA Media, 703/481-4440 or Media@alpa.org
