ALPA held a combined 19th Training Council and 4th Human Factors Working Group (TC/HFWG) meeting this week in Houston. The event was attended by approximately 37 training committee and human factors representatives from 14 ALPA MECs. Additionally, several industry representatives shared their expertise on the pilot training initiatives in which they are involved.

It was announced that Capt. Glen Finch (JAZ) would step down as Training Council chairman after serving for four years and that Capt. Frank Cheeseman (UAL) would become the new chair. Capt. Finch will continue to be involved in the Training Council as a member of his MEC Training Committee. In appreciation for Capt. Finch’s service, he was presented with a special plaque by Capt. Linda Orlady (UAL), Executive Air Safety vice chair, and Capt. Chuck Hogeman (UAL), HFT Group chairman.

Other Training Council leadership changes were voted on as well. Capt. Bryan Burks (ALA) was approved unanimously as the new vice chair to replace Capt. Cheeseman as he moves to the chairman’s position. In addition, Capt. Leja Noe (MAG) was approved as the new secretary, a position that had been vacant for over two years.

The meeting served as an opportunity for pilot training and human factors subject-matter experts to collaborate on ways to solve issues on each of their respective properties. A number of current pilot training and human factors topics were discussed, including necessary changes to new pilot certification requirements, the need for simulator motion, draft ALPA upset-recovery training policy, ALPA activities to focus attention on the Code of Ethics to encourage the highest levels of professionalism, and increased scrutiny by the FAA and airlines during flight evaluations. The TC/HFWG meets twice yearly, with the next meeting planned for August 30, in Washington, D.C.