Release #09.053
August 5, 2009

Capt. Bill McReynolds Receives ALPA’s Presidential Citation
Las Vegas Pilot Recognized for Exemplary Leadership in Enhancing Aviation Security

WASHINGTON—The Air Line Pilots Association, Int’l (ALPA), will recognize FedEx Express Capt. Bill McReynolds with its 2008 Presidential Citation for his extraordinary efforts to advance aviation security. The award will be presented today during ALPA’s Air Safety Week in Washington, D.C.

“Capt. McReynolds’ dedicated work to enhance security at all-cargo airlines has translated into remarkable progress in an area in which the airline industry continues to remain vulnerable,” said Capt. John Prater, ALPA’s president. “It’s an honor to offer Capt. McReynolds my congratulations on behalf of ALPA’s members as he receives this well-deserved recognition.”

Capt. Bill McReynolds joined ALPA in 1997. He was a member of the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) Aviation Security Advisory Committee’s Air Cargo Working Group. As a member, Capt. McReynolds played a critical role in developing the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Air Cargo Strategic Plan, the Freight Assessment System, and the final rule on air cargo, which dramatically improved the security of cargo shipping, especially on all-cargo operations.

In June 2007, Capt. McReynolds was asked to chair the ALPA President’s Committee for Cargo. His tireless advocacy was integral to the legislation that successfully passed Congress to allow all-cargo pilots to participate in the Federal Flight Deck Officer (FFDO) program and paved the way for the U.S. government to develop an All Cargo Common Strategy to standardize the way in which all-cargo airlines and their employees respond to security threats.

As a result of Capt. McReynolds’ vision and leadership, the Wilmington Airport Users Group and the Toledo Airport Users Group have identified and resolved a broad range of safety and security issues by developing consensus among labor, government, and industry. In addition, he has spearheaded ALPA security and safety seminars that have attracted a broad range of attendees from across the international aviation security arena.

“Capt. McReynolds has worked tirelessly to enhance the level of aviation security at all levels across the industry,” said Capt. Scott Stratton, FedEx Master Executive Council chairman. “His efforts have resulted in advancements and solutions to varying issues associated with aviation safety and security. It is with great appreciation that the FedEx MEC commends Capt. McReynolds on this well-deserved Presidential Citation.”

Capt. McReynolds regularly presents ALPA’s positions on aviation security issues at forums around the globe, including before the International Federation of Airline Pilots’ Associations (IFALPA) and as a spokesperson in the international news media.

Founded in 1931, ALPA is the world’s largest pilots union, representing nearly 54,000 pilots at 36 airlines in the United States and Canada.

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Contact: Linda Shotwell or Rusty Ayers, 703/481-4440 or media@alpa.org